What a contrast Ranchi has presented when compared to Pune or even Bengaluru! Contrary to expectations, this looks like a fantastic test match pitch which allows run making as well as wicket-taking, but only to those who can ally skill with perseverance. Thankfully, both sides have thrown up a few players displaying this trait and this has resulted in a riveting test match till now.
Australia scored 451 in their first innings, thanks largely to Steve Smith's unbeaten 178 and Glenn Maxwell's maiden test century (104). On a good batting wicket, Smith won the toss and chose to bat. Renshaw and Warner gave the Aussies a frenetic start, putting together 50 in less than 10 overs, before a combination of loose strokes and good bowling, pulled them back to 89-3. Smith and Handscomb led a minor revival before Umesh trapped Handscomb LBW with a superb in-swinging yorker. At 140-4, Smith knew he needed support from his teammates to take Australia beyond 350, a score that would've kept Australia in the game. He found one in Glenn Maxwell. Together they put on 191 runs for the 5th wicket; in the process, Glenn Maxwell hit his maiden test century. Smith also got some useful support from Wade and Steve O'Keefe to help Australia finish with 451. Jadeja and Umesh were the standout bowlers for India, picking up 5 and 3 wickets, respectively.
In reply, India got off to their best start of the series with the aggressive KL Rahul combining very well with M Vijay to put on 91 for the first wicket. Rahul continued his rich vein of form to score a brisk 67 before he was undone by a superb bouncer from the comeback man, Pat Cummins. Then, Vijay and Pujara put together their 6th century partnership of this season before Vijay, in what was a brain-fade moment, stepped out to O'Keefe in the last over before lunch and was stumped by a long-way. He fell 18 short of a well-deserved 100. However, Pujara did get to his 11th test century - the first by an Indian in this series. Despite receiving little support from the other end, with both Kohli and Rahane falling cheaply, Pujara held one end up, picked up the scoring rate once the 2nd new ball was taken and ensured that India remained within touching distance of Australia. Pat Cummins was the most impressive Aussie bowler on display, picking up 4 wickets.
India ended Day 3 at 360-6. Both India and Australia would be reasonably satisfied with this day. India, because it is now within striking distance of Australia's total and with Pujara still on the crease, can harbor hopes of overhauling 451. Australia on the other hand would be pleased that it restricted the Indian scoring rate on Day 3 and just allowed 240 runs while picking up 5 wickets, on a pitch that is still very good for batting. It doesn't look like that the pitch will crumble at an alarmingly rapid rate and hence, this test match may last the distance. Coming in to Day 4, Australia would like to wrap up the last four wickets for not too many, score quickly in their 2nd innings and possibly declare an hour before the end of day's play (ideally setting India a target of 350). India, on the other hand, would like some quick runs from Jadeja and Saha, and then look to dismiss Australia cheaply. They would ideally want to chase a score of not more than 150 in the final innings.
Both the captains would be very keen to win the Ranchi test. If Australia win, they'll retain the Border-Gavaskar trophy irrespective of the result in the next test. In case of an Indian victory, the team will definitely enter the next test as strong favorites to regain the trophy. The match situation will clearly test the patience as well as pro-activeness of both the captains. On this pitch, a proactive captain will strive to make things happen. Here's hoping that fortune favors the brave!
Match recap till Day 3
Australia scored 451 in their first innings, thanks largely to Steve Smith's unbeaten 178 and Glenn Maxwell's maiden test century (104). On a good batting wicket, Smith won the toss and chose to bat. Renshaw and Warner gave the Aussies a frenetic start, putting together 50 in less than 10 overs, before a combination of loose strokes and good bowling, pulled them back to 89-3. Smith and Handscomb led a minor revival before Umesh trapped Handscomb LBW with a superb in-swinging yorker. At 140-4, Smith knew he needed support from his teammates to take Australia beyond 350, a score that would've kept Australia in the game. He found one in Glenn Maxwell. Together they put on 191 runs for the 5th wicket; in the process, Glenn Maxwell hit his maiden test century. Smith also got some useful support from Wade and Steve O'Keefe to help Australia finish with 451. Jadeja and Umesh were the standout bowlers for India, picking up 5 and 3 wickets, respectively.
In reply, India got off to their best start of the series with the aggressive KL Rahul combining very well with M Vijay to put on 91 for the first wicket. Rahul continued his rich vein of form to score a brisk 67 before he was undone by a superb bouncer from the comeback man, Pat Cummins. Then, Vijay and Pujara put together their 6th century partnership of this season before Vijay, in what was a brain-fade moment, stepped out to O'Keefe in the last over before lunch and was stumped by a long-way. He fell 18 short of a well-deserved 100. However, Pujara did get to his 11th test century - the first by an Indian in this series. Despite receiving little support from the other end, with both Kohli and Rahane falling cheaply, Pujara held one end up, picked up the scoring rate once the 2nd new ball was taken and ensured that India remained within touching distance of Australia. Pat Cummins was the most impressive Aussie bowler on display, picking up 4 wickets.
India ended Day 3 at 360-6. Both India and Australia would be reasonably satisfied with this day. India, because it is now within striking distance of Australia's total and with Pujara still on the crease, can harbor hopes of overhauling 451. Australia on the other hand would be pleased that it restricted the Indian scoring rate on Day 3 and just allowed 240 runs while picking up 5 wickets, on a pitch that is still very good for batting. It doesn't look like that the pitch will crumble at an alarmingly rapid rate and hence, this test match may last the distance. Coming in to Day 4, Australia would like to wrap up the last four wickets for not too many, score quickly in their 2nd innings and possibly declare an hour before the end of day's play (ideally setting India a target of 350). India, on the other hand, would like some quick runs from Jadeja and Saha, and then look to dismiss Australia cheaply. They would ideally want to chase a score of not more than 150 in the final innings.
Key factors that may shape the outcome of the match
- Jadeja & Ashwin - Apart from the quick runs India expects Jadeja to make, they will also want him to continue his rich bowling form. There are foot-marks created outside the left-hander's off-stump (by the right arm quickies from both sides) and given the predominance of lefties in the Aussie lineup, Jadeja would like to exploit this to the hilt. He's been the best spinner from either side in Ranchi and India's hopes for a win will rest largely on his shoulders. India would also expect Ashwin to find the match-winning form that he displayed in the 2nd innings of Bengaluru test.
- Warner & Maxwell - Australia will need quick runs in their 2nd innings and would look up to the explosive duo of Warner and Maxwell to deliver the goods. Warner is due for a big score and the match situation may de-clutter his mind and enable him to commit fully to an aggressive batting strategy. Maxwell on the other hand, would be supremely confident after his first innings century. He's had success against Ashwin in the past (during IPL) and his unorthodox methods can upset bowlers' rhythm.
- Aussie bowling - The Aussie bowlers would have their task cut out in the 4th innings of the match. While Cummins has looked very impressive in his comeback match and Hazlewood continues to toil away diligently, both Lyon and O'Keefe haven't looked threatening since the first innings of Bengaluru test. The Aussie spin duo will have to come to the party if Australia wants to seal the Border-Gavaskar trophy at Ranchi. Additionally, reverse swing will also be a factor going forward.
- Pitch - The Ranchi pitch has played very well till now. However, both teams will be hoping that it starts assisting the spinners more & more on Day 4 and 5. Typically, one would expect spin and variable bounce, thereby making run-scoring difficult. The conditions are likely to assist reverse swing too.
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