What a test match this was between India and Australia. Perfectly orchestrated and well-executed test match plan from India. Indian team was disciplined, clicked at the right time, and showed maturity to come out on top. Australia showed resistance in their second innings from Pat Cummins’ resilient 63(114) but that was not good enough. Indian pacers were too hot to handle.
This win at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is their first win after 1981. Virat Kohli much be a happy bloke as he now equalled Sourav Ganguly on most away test match winning captain.
India is leading the Border - Gavaskar Trophy by 2-1 and heading into the final test in Sydney. If they manage to win the trophy in Australia, it would be the first time ever in the 71 years history of the Border - Gavaskar trophy.
Australia won the second test match, which showed their team strength and raise a hope that may be the Australian team is rebuilding. But, this match exposed their inability to play the simmers and create and maintain partnership.
What were the key positives for India in this test match?
Jasprit Bumrah and Pacers
India is never known for their simmers. However, this test match showed how Indian pacers have come of age. Jasprit took nine wickets and Ishant and Shami took three wickets each in both the innings together. This showed the strength of Indian pacers and how they have used old ball to their benefits. They provided crucial breakthroughs and never allow Australia to settle down in the game.
Jasprit in particular was outstanding and will be a key player for India in their last test match in Sydney.
The opening pair of Mayan Agrawal and Hanuma Vihari
The new openers for India were pretty solid and rose to the occasion. Mayank was particularly outstanding with debut half century and valuable contribution in the second innings as well. He showed his maturity when he played in partnership with Pant in second innings to provide that lead. Vihari also sparked and did not disappoint. Going forward, they will also provided flexibility to Indian batting which already looks good.
Game plan
Indian were outstanding in their game plan and execution. It was wise for Kohli to go and bat again rather than asking Australia to follow on. They read the pitch and decided that it will be difficult to play on the fourth and fifth day. That was a clever decision and we saw how Australia crumbled on the fourth day of Boxing day test.
Overall it was a very good performance from players and team think-tank planned and executed perfectly for India.
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