A lower order collapse, A 'Lyon' hearted effort and the Warner magic!
It all started with an anticipation that the Indian lower order would last so much that the overnight deficit of 148 would be brought down within the vicinity of Australian target. India began the day on 369/5 with Rohit Sharma & keeper Saha at the crease. It began as usual with Johnson going after the Indian batsmen but Saha managed to score of him and the score ticked along in the first hour.
Australia's most threatening bowler Nathan Lyon came into the attack and got the better of Indian batsmen. Rohit Sharma showed aggression but was out in a way that only Rohit could. His strength of being nonchalant and elegant tends to backfire sometimes and he inevitably tends to throw away his wicket at most crucial times. What followed next was a collapse and Karn Sharma was bowled by Peter Siddle with the rest of the Indian batting falling prey to Australia's 'Lyon'. Mohammad Shami provided a quick fire cameo which reduced India's deficit to 73 runs before they were bundled out for 444.
With the game hanging on a knife edge, the Aussies began their innings well and were secured at the lunch interval. Post lunch, the Aussies adopted an aggressive approach and Chris Rogers soon fell to a Karn Sharma trap. The Aussies steadied the ship with Watson and Warner piling up the rains and increasing the lead. Ishant was accurate and Varun Aaron provided a late burst with his reverse swing. He got David Warner with an in dipper but was adjudged not out with Aaron overstepping the crease. There were sparks between him and Warner and the game suddenly began to come to life with everybody having a chat with everyone around. It was time for some Aussie talk and the Indians led by Kohli were not willing to hold back. There was sanctity restored and the game meandered along at its own pace. The Indian bowlers seemed effective in patches and managed to contain the opposition for a while. Meanwhile, Warner scored yet another hundred and dedicated it to his li'l mate Phil who himself had achieved this feat in his second test match against South Africa.
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| Davis Warner celebrating after scoring yet another hundred |
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| The moment when Warner was bowled..but of a no-ball |
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| When Warner and Dhawan got into a verbal spat |
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| Watson and other Indian player decided to take part in the spat |
It was time for some acceleration and Steve Smith and Mitchell Marsh played their part in adding to the opposition's agony. Australia ended the day at 290/5 with a daunting lead of 363. There were no signs of declaration and it was understood that Clarke would declare overnight and India would have to face the extended quota of 98 overs on the last day to save the match.
The Indians would be nervous but yet confident having performed well in the first innings unlike the previous tours. What happens next, remains to be seen. All we can hope is that we get to see a wonderful day's cricket with India taking the fight to the Aussies. Only two results seem possible now: An Australian win and a draw.
Key for day 5: Indian batting v/s Nathan Lyon & Mitchell Johnson
(Photo courtesy: ESPNcricinfo)
Day 5 review will be posted after 4 pm tomorrow.. Stay updated..See you then..
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