If India scores 280-300, they might not have to bat again, predicts Michael Clarke
Rohit Sharma will resume his batting on 56* on Day 2
Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has said that if India scores around 300 runs in their first innings, they could beat Australia in the ongoing first Test without batting the second time.
India are 77 for 1, with skipper Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin set to resume Day 2 on 56 and 0, respectively, trailing Australia by 100 runs, who were bowled out for 177 on Day 1.
India lost KL Rahul's wicket in the second-last over of Day 1 and sent in Ashwin as the nightwatchman.
Speaking on Big Sports Breakfast, Clarke said that Pat Cummins might not have enough runs to play with, but needed to invite Indian batters to play risky shots.
Here's what Clarke said
"I know we haven’t got many runs and that’s a tough one for Patty to work with, so he’s trying to give his bowlers some protection, but you want the batter to try and take a risk,
You want them to try and take a risk and hit that one over the top. If they hit one or two over the top, fair play, put him back. But he’s just got to be really smart with his tactics here. If India get 280 to 300, mate, they might not have to bat again.”
Opting to bat first, the visitors crumbled for 177 in front of Ravindra Jadeja's spin bowling, who claimed a fifer in this return to the Test arena after an injury.
 "Vishal Mehra")
