A lot has been already been written and said about the Ranchi wicket where India and Australia meet in the third Test match of the series, beginning tomorrow. If Aussies win they will be retaining the Border-Gavaskar trophy, while India needs to win the series for the same.
Australia are now forced to make two changes as Mitchell Marsh and Starc have been injured. Pat Cummins, who has been plagued by injuries since his debut in 2011 is certainly expected to play tomorrow and other choice will be among Stoinis, Maxwell and Agar. Most probably Smith will go with Maxwell, who can be handy as the pitch is expected to assist the spinners.
Smith also mentioned talking about the wicket that it looked like `mud rolled’. There may not be much
bounce on this wicket according to reports – that means the players who are strong on their front foot will like the conditions.
Murali Vijay, who missed at Bengaluru will be playing his 50th Test tomorrow. Though he has been a decent opening batsmen since he made his debut at Nagpur some years ago, he has not lived upto the expectations. Let us all wish him good luck, hoping he will celebrate his 50th Test with a hundred.
And if the inform Rahul and he clicks in this match, the pressure will be reduced on the middle order.
India might make another change if the wicket is really going to help the spinners. Jayat Yadav may replace Karun Nair to strengthen the bowling.
Mahavaadi Sudeer– DD Commentator
