Adam Bailey
DeanoHarmoAussies Back in Front
October 12th 2008 23:37
Category: Australia vs India 1st test
Brad Haddin and Shane Watson put Aussies back on track
India started the day at 8/313 and added 47 runs before they were dismissed for 360.
Zaheer Kahn wagged the tale for the Indians, scoring 57 not out but after his fellow lower order batsmen were picked up by Michael Clarke and Shane Watson, he and India fell 70 runs short of the 1st innings total set by Australia.
The pitch was starting to break up and made it very hard for the Aussie openers to make a start. Hayden fell LBW to Zaheer for 13 runs and left Simon Katich and captain Ricky Ponting to fight for runs.
After some great bowling, Ishant Sharma was rewarded for his great form against the Aussies by sending the Aussie skipper back to the pavilion for just 17.
Katich was soon to follow when he fell victim to Harbhajan after he had battled for 140 balls to reach just 34 runs.
After Hussey became Harbhajan's second scalp for 31 and Michael Clarke could only add 6, the Aussies were looking to two new faces to dig their heels in.
Watson and Haddin responded by not only knuckling down but by batting and running with aggression.
The 65 run stand that these two delivered could be the turning point should Australia go on to win this Test.
At stumps Watson had scored 32 and Haddin 28. It will be interesting to see what Ponting decides to do early on day five.
Australia's lead of 263 is not yet enough so the temptation will be to 'hit-out' and try to build a lead of 300 or more.
The problem is time. If the Aussies take too long to score then they risk the chance of India holding on for a draw.
All in all, the Aussies have the upper hand but with India having over 800 tests matches between them they certainly have the experience to keep the visitors from going 1-0 up in the series.
It looks to be a thrilling day five.
- Adam Bailey
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