On the Morning of day 4, Spectators and fans had no idea what excitement was on the card for this day’s play.  There was a pattern that had been observed, and this was totally unpredictable.  The overnight not out batters for Australia’s first innings (Smith and Head), and second innings Labuschagne and Green, were dismissed early without significant addition to their individual overnight score.  Similarly, India’s first innings batters, Rhane added sixty runs, but his partner Bharat did not add to his overnight score.

So, the pattern appears set, and it is quite likely, maybe predictable, that Kohli (44runs) and Rahane (20 runs) will fail to add to their overnight scores, if history does repeat itself.  History aside, Australia resumed their second innings today, on123 for 4 wickets.  This was a good morning for the Indian Bowlers Yadav (2 wickets), Jadeja (3 wickets) and Shami (2wickets).  They were economical, precise and they mesmerized the Australian Middle order batters.  Except for Starc (41) and Carey (66) who held steady and produced an encouraging 93 run partnership to save Australia from embarrassment.  Australia declared their innings closed at 270 for 8 wickets.  The target for India is 444 runs.

In yesterday’s post, we estimated that India can restrict Australia to 400 or less by lunch time on day 4.  This could be a winning score for India.  India’s target run chase has begun, and there is clear sign that the run chase is on.  Sharma and Gill at over number 7, were scoring at 5.8 runs per over, before Gill was out to another spectacular catch by Green in the slips.  Diving forward, Green appeared to have caught the ball cleanly, but to the spectators’ eyes, the ball looked as if it scraped on the ground before Green had control of it. 

The DRS review ruled the catch clean, and Gill was out (18).  Sharma and Pujara continued to keep up with the run rate.  But, unfortunately, a bad shot selection, reminiscent of a T20 stroke, caused the downfall of Captain Sharma, a missed cross batted sweep and he was out LBW (43).  Five balls and one run later, Pujara emulated Captain Sharma with his version of trying to help an over the head rising delivery.  He failed and he was easily caught by the wicketkeeper (27).

At close of play, day 4, India with Virat Kohli (44 not out) and Rahane (20 not out), were the Overnight batters.  Statistically, Australia has bowled 40 overs in this afternoon session, and this leads me to the question of the evening.  If Australia can bowl 70 to 80 overs on day 5, Can India score at 3.5 to 4.0 runs per over to collect the US $1.6 million prize.

Should India fail the challenge, the second-place prize is nothing to sniff at, US $800,000 should wipe away the tears.

At the end of the fourth day’s play of the ICC Test Championship, billed ”The Ultimate Test’, India was 164-3. They need a further 280 runs on the final day, for them to be crowned 2nd ICC Cricket Test Champions, Likewise Australia must capture an additional 6 wickets to win US $1.6 million and the winner’s Trophy.  After 4 days the contest has lived up to expectations, the spectators are thrilled with the standard of play on both sides. At the wicket are two players who have each scored over 5000 test runs and have big tons on their way to achieve these landmarks. 

Earlier today Australia declared after losing the wickets of Cameron Green for 25, Starc for 41 and Cummins for 5, with the total on 270/8. Setting India 444 for victory. India lost Gill when he was controversially given out caught by Green, the DRS review TV Umpires with the help of the TV Cameras ruled the catch clean. To the naked eyes it appears as if Green had grassed the catch low down to his left. They thought otherwise.  Obviously, some of the spectators were unhappy. The fifth day promises to be another thriller. Earlier I wrote that Australia has the edge.  but don’t count out India. Let us await the outcome.

At the close of play on Day 2 of ICC 2023 Test Championship, Australia who were dismissed for 469 during afternoon session, Is once again in the driving seat. Travis Head scored 163, his fourth 150 plus score  in test cricket. Smith scored his 31st century, he was dismissed for 121 runs.  Siraj 4-108, with Thakur and Shami 2 wickets each.

India in their first innings reply is struggling due to early setbacks. India’s early batters faced a fiery Australian attack.  The pace was quick, the line was precise and accurate, with plenty of movement off the wicket.  And the bounce inflicted pain at times.  This was, indeed, a clear signal to England of what is to come, and very likely to cause a lot of concerns for England when they face off in the Ashes series at home this summer.   Jadeja has top scored so far with 48 he edged a Lyon delivery that was easily taken by Steve Smith in the slips.

Earlier Shubman Gill offered no shot to a Scott Boland delivery only to see his middle and off stumps disturbed. He scored only 13, and Cheteshwar Pujara experienced a similar fate, on 14, he also offered no shot to a Cameron Green delivery which rattled his stumps. Rahane had a reprieve, when his LBW out decision was reversed due to a no ball call against the bowler, he has scored 29 not out at close of play.  Bharat, the other not out batter has scored 5 runs. 

Australia is on top for now, however, I am mindful that the unexpected can and do happen.  So, it would be unwise to count India out at this time. India is trailing by 318 runs, and the possibility of the follow on looms large. The question for today is, Can India avoid the follow-on? 

Dennis (for L. Francis)

The ICC World Test Championship 2023 began today. 

Day one could be described as a magnificent day of test Cricket for Australia.

This red ball format of cricket Coming this soon after the recently completed white ball IPL series, and the sight of men in white and three slips and a gully, was a reminder of the glory days of test cricket.

The Oval at London usually presents the sight and historical memories of a green pitch with overcast and cloudy skies, creating extra swing and ball  movement.  Memories may have overly influenced India’s decision to invite the Australians to bat first. 

The early successes of the Indian seamers saw Australia, uncomfortably on 76 for 3 wickets. India at this stage must have felt quite confident and happy with the decision to take the field.  At close of play on day one, Steve Smith not out 96, and Travis Head 146 not out, were still at the crease with a 251-run partnership. When time was called on day one, India will have overnight to contemplate if they may have made an error to take the field first, and, perhaps, the decision to leave Ashwin on the bench may prove to be error number 2. Australia was 327/3 in command at the end of day one. 

Good cricket, large energetic crowd and the question hanging in the air is this, what will day 2 bring?

On behalf of The Cricket Show Inc. Board members, Panelists & contributors.

I am delighted for your achievements, 

Mr Patel has been a key board member of The Cricket Show USA, for over five years. Your  contribution to our organization is immense and The Cricket Show USA is  better, with your tireless contributions/support, knowledge, expertise, honesty and caring contributions that you have made over the years.

The Cricket Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award is prestigous, timely and well deserved.

Congratulations, Jatin Patel we are extremely delighted & privileged to have you serving with us over the years & being part of The Cricket Show.

Blessings, my brother, we are proud of all your accomplishments.

Leon B Francis
President
The Cricket Show Inc