Harsha Bhogle Previews India vs Australia Gabba Test

Summary

The analysis of the India-Australia Test series delves into key issues, particularly India's batting struggles, with concerns over first innings runs and a lack of conversions from top-order players. The Australian batting lineup also faces challenges, despite a strong performance from Travis Head. On the bowling front, India's Mohammed Siraj and Ashwin have impressed, while Australia's Starc and Hazlewood remain potent. With the series level at 1-1, the Brisbane Test is pivotal, and if India can secure a strong first innings total, they may gain an upper hand and win the series, with Melbourne and Sydney favoring their strengths.

Takeaways

• 😀 India's batting struggles in the first innings are a major concern, with only one century in seven innings overseas and a poor average from key players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
• 😀 Australia’s batting is also vulnerable, with Travis Head being the only player averaging close to 40, while the rest of their top six struggle to make consistent contributions.
• 😀 First innings runs are critical for both teams, as they set the tone for the match and relieve pressure on the bowlers. India has failed to score enough in the first innings, impacting their chances.
• 😀 Mohammad Siraj (SJ) has been a key performer for India, especially in the Adelaide Test. His consistency has been crucial in India's bowling attack.
• 😀 Jasprit Bumrah is India's best bowler, and his fitness and workload management are vital for India's success in the series.
• 😀 Shubman Gill has shown promise but needs to convert his good starts into bigger scores to strengthen India's top order.
• 😀 Rishabh Pant’s inconsistent performances have added to India’s batting woes. The team needs more stability and runs from the middle order.
• 😀 Despite the batting challenges, Ravichandran Ashwin has performed well, especially in the Adelaide Test, contributing to India’s resistance against Australia.
• 😀 The upcoming Brisbane Test offers India a chance to capitalize on conditions that may favor their seamers, especially Mohammad Siraj and Bumrah.
• 😀 Both teams have vulnerabilities in their batting lineups, making the series wide open. India’s ability to post competitive first innings runs is crucial for their chances of winning.
• 😀 If India can score well in the first innings and manage key players like Bumrah, they have a strong chance of winning the series, with Melbourne and Sydney expected to suit their strengths.

Q & A

What was the main focus of the discussions in Australia after the Perth test match?

The main focus was on various aspects of the Indian team, including questions about Steve Smith's future, the performance of the fast bowlers, whether certain players should have played more first-class cricket, and the emerging talent in the Indian team.

What did the speaker say about the significance of a 5-test series in cricket?

The speaker emphasized that a 5-test series provides enough time for teams to come back and adjust. Despite setbacks, such as a draw or a loss, the series remains wide open, and there is plenty of cricket left to be played.

How does the speaker view the importance of first-innings runs in test cricket?

The speaker considers first-innings runs crucial because they set up the game. If a team doesn’t score enough runs in the first innings, they put pressure on their bowlers, who can become tense and less effective, lacking the cushion of runs to support them.

What is India's issue with their batting, according to the speaker?

India's main batting issue is their inability to score enough first-innings runs. In seven innings, India scored only one century, and the top-order batting has been inconsistent, with several failures to last 50 overs.

How do India's first-innings batting statistics compare with Australia's?

India's first-innings batting has been a concern, with top-order batsmen like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma averaging poorly. Australia’s batting has similar vulnerabilities, with only Travis Head maintaining an average close to 40, while most of their top six average less than 30.

What role does the speaker suggest that Mohammed Siraj (SJ) plays for India?

The speaker highlights that Mohammed Siraj has been a crucial bowler for India, especially in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. His performance in Adelaide was praised, and it is suggested that he should keep up the pressure when Bumrah is not on the field.

Why is Bumrah’s health and fitness a concern for India?

Bumrah is considered India’s number-one bowler, and his fitness is a major concern because if he is injured or unavailable, India’s bowling attack loses its most potent weapon. The team needs to manage his workload carefully.

What are the positive aspects the speaker sees in India’s recent performance?

The speaker mentions several positive aspects, including the solid bowling performance from Siraj, the growing confidence of Shubman Gill, and the impressive batting of Rishabh Pant. Ashwin also performed well, especially in controlling the game in Adelaide.

What does the speaker predict about India’s performance in Brisbane?

The speaker predicts that India will perform much better in Brisbane, suggesting that if they score enough first-innings runs, they can put pressure on Australia and potentially win the series, making Brisbane a key turning point.

How does the speaker rate Australia’s bowling attack, especially in the context of the series?

The speaker acknowledges Australia’s strong bowling attack, with Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins being key threats. However, there is concern about Nathan Lyon’s form, and the speaker suggests that India has managed to neutralize Lyon so far in the series.