Australia vs India Fourth Test: Report of Fourth Day

After the end of the fourth day of fourth test of Australia vs India test series, it is almost clear that India’s hope to level the series after winning Adelaide test has come to an end. Australia surpassed India’s mammoth first innings total of 526 and took a lead of 37 runs before the host put on 563 runs losing all wickets. India batted 17 over and put on 45 runs losing the wicket of Irfan Pathan at stumps. Now, India has a lead of eight runs with 9 wickets at hand in the second innings.

Now, India has only one day left to them to do whatever they can in order to win the test, which seems to be impossible at this moment. India needs to throw a possible, fighting total in the second innings in order to lure Australian to chase. Then India can give a last shot bringing on two spinners in attack from the very beginning. At this moment it seems to be the only way open for Indian to win the match. However, at first, India has to ensure having no collapse in the batting line up, which could even allow Australian to win the series 3-1 turning the series a nightmare for the visiting sides.

Australian started the day with 322 runs for 3 as Ponting and Clarke was batting on 79 not out and 37 not out respectively. Both Ponting and Clarke reached to the three figures leading Australia to exceed India’s huge total in the first innings. Actually, what makes me surprised is that Australia played a slightly defensive which does not go with their attacking approach. When Ponting and Clarke were batting, it seemed that they are playing for draw in the match, considering the fact that they are 2-1 up in the series. Yes, there is nothing wrong about it. Even, India would do the same if they were leading in the series. However, this is not what Australia has bee doing for the last one decade. So, that is why, it seems something different, despite Ponting has earlier said that they want to win the match for Adam Gilchrist, who has declared his retirement from all forms of cricket after the end of this test.

The great wicket keeper batsmen, Gilchrist could not impress in the first innings of his farewell test as he fall to Pathan at 14. Gilchrist received big claps from the crowds and Indian players as it might be his last innings if Australian does not come to bat in the second innings tomorrow.

Rick Ponting scored 140 before becoming the first victim of Virender Sehwag, while Michael Clarke got out off Sharma after scoring 118 runs. Symonds then played a handy innings of 30. For India, Pathan, Sharma took three wickets apiece, while Sehwag claimed two wickets. Actually, Indian spinners could not do anything special which has become the major concern for India as Kumble and Harbhajan took one wicket each. Moreover, the injury of Rudra Pratap Singh brought a huge blow for the visitors. At the end of the day, Sehwag and Dravid was batting on 31 and 11.

I think this test is going to end up with a draw and there is hardly any chance left for India to win the test. India must have to be very aggressive tomorrow and their spinners have to be effective if they want to turn the things go in their way. However, whatever the result is, I want to see some exciting cricket in the last day of the fourth test.

Australia vs India Fourth Test: Live on Different TV Channels

India and Australia are going to face each other in the fourth test of the series at Adelaide on 24 January. After suffering a rare home defeat in test match, Australia is now aiming to take the revenge against India in the fourth test. India also need another victory to level the series as they are now 2-1 down in the series. So, both teams are determined to win the test match.

India might come up with two possible changes in the final line up of the fourth test. Spinner Harbhajan Singh might come if Adelaide wicket seems to have enough turn. Opener Wasim Jaffer has not been at his great form as he could not score even a half century in the first three tests of the series. So, Dinesh Karthik can be a possible option to open for India.

Virender Sehwag will definitely play in Adelaide after his short but two important innings. For Australia, it is not yet confirm if Mathew Hayden would make it to the final line up as there is still doubt regarding his recovery. However, report have it that Hayden is expected to be back with this test after missing the Perth test with injury. Another change is sure in Australian team. Pacer Shaun Tait will be replaced by left arm spinner Brad Hogg for the fourth test.

I know that many of you are now eagerly waiting to watch the live action of the test match on your television. Here I am giving some of the television channels which will telecast the match live for their viewers:

Sky Sports

Sky Sports is one of the most popular sports channels of Europe. The channel offers its programs for the viewers in pay per view system. So, if you are now at Europe then you can watch the match live on Sky Sports for a particular amount.

Star Cricket

This is the latest venture of ESPN Star Sports network. Star Cricket will also telecast the Australia vs India fourth test live from Australia. This channel is yet to be widely available across India. The channel is not accessible from outside India. This is also a pay per view channel.

Fox Sports

Fox Sports will also bring the live action of Australia vs India fourth test for its viewers. If you are interested to watch the test match then you can tune on Fox Sports during the match, if the channel is available in your locality.

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Australia vs India 4th Test: Preview and Live Score

The fourth test of Australia vs India test series is going to be started at Adelaide from 24 January. Host Australia leads the series 2-1. So, the final test has become a must win match for the visiting India. However, it does not mean that Australia is now in relaxed mode as they are leading the series. After the 72-run defeat in the third test, Australia is also under pressure. This was their first test match defeat at home since 2003 when Sourav Ganguly’s India defeated Steve Waugh’s Australia by 4 wickets in Adelaide.

Australia vs India test series 2007-2008 has already been reported many times for wrong reasons. Following the controversial second test at Sydney, the future of test series was at stake, following Harbhanjan Singh’s three-match by match referee Mike Proctor because of alleged racist remark and the series of wrong umpiring calls in which most of them went against Indian. However, all those odds things have been over with ICC’s intervention in the scene and the decision of ICC to replace Umpire Steve Bucknor and Mike Benson from the Perth test. Harbhajan Singh was also cleared ahead of the third test, pending his appeal against the three-match ban. India also dropped their charge against Brad Hogg for racist remark.

Now, ahead of the last test, it is good news that the focus is now on cricket. India has to win the match if they want to finish the series with a draw. However, Australian is also gearing up ahead of the test at Adelaide. Australia might bring on Brad Hogg in the final line up replacing pacer Shaun Tait, who was underperformance in the third test. Mathew Hayden is expected to come back who missed the last test with injury. So, Chris Rogers, who debuted in Perth, will be out of final test at Adelaide.

For India, it is unlike to bring any change in the winning combination. However, I am not sure if India brings on Harbhajan Singh after considering the wicket of Adelaide. Perth wicket much more helpful for pacers and India’s decision to play three pacers worked out, as all of them were impressive in Perth. However, I think, if the wicket of Adelaide is helpful for spinners and has nothing special for pacers then India should play Harbhajan Singh in the final test. However, it is also true that last time India played here in their 4 wicket victory, the condition was helpful for the pacers. Another worry is about their opening partner. Though India got better service from their opening pair in the third test, however, Wasim Jaffer failed to live up to the expectation in all three matches. So, I would not be surprised if Dinesh Karthik is given a chance for the final test.

I do not think, India could bring any other change for the fourth test. If India wants to come up with some special performance from Adelaide then their pacers have to play a big part for them. After a long time, Indian bowling units, especially the pacers were up to the mark. Rudra Pratap Singh, Irfan Pathan and Ishant Sharma all were impressive in the third test and did not let India to feel the absence of Zaheer Khan. Moreover, Indian batsmen also have a big part to play in the test. I think, the inclusion of Irfan Pathan has increased the depth of Indian batting line up. Indian openers have to be up to the mark. A good start from the openers is vital for India as it would make the task easy for the later batsmen. Indian middle order sometimes looked fragile, which they have to avoid if they want to win the test at Adelaide, because it is almost certain that Australia will play their best to demolish India in the fourth test.

Australian vs India: Live on Different TV Channels

I know that fans of both sides are now eagerly waiting for the fourth test of the series. Many of you are also searching for the television channels which will telecast the match live. Here, I am giving some television channels that are covering the Australia vs India test series:

Sky Sports

Star Cricket

Fox Sports

Australian vs India Fourth Test: Online Live Score

Those who will not be able to watch the match live on your television due to your personal and professional works, can go though the following website links from where you can get the online live score of Australia vs India fourth test match:

Cricinfo

BBC

CricketNext

Action8Cricket

Stickiewicket

Cricket.sulekha

Cricketzone

Well, I think cricket fans are going to see a competitive match in Adelaide. It is tough to predict about the result of a high profile match like the Australia vs India fourth test. However, it is true that India has to play a top class cricket to win the match at Adelaide, because Australia will not give any ground for India without showing their best.

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India Deserves to Be one of the Best: Mike Hussey

India’s 72-run triumph has come as a surprise for the once-seemingly-unbeatable Australian team in the Perth test, which stopped Australia’s record winning streak at 16. For the second time, Australia’s winning streak has been stopped by India. Earlier, Sourav Ganguly’s India defeated Steve Waugh’s Australia after winning 16 test matches. Now, India needs another victory in Adelaide in the final test of the series in order to level the series.

Australian batsman Mike Hussey has recently been full of praise about the Indian team. He thinks that India deserves to be one of the best teams in the world. To him, India is becoming the biggest threat for Australia.

AFP reported:

The days of India being considered easy pickings away from home are long gone, he said, adding: "India have to be right up there because they're playing so well away from home.

"You know they're always going to be hard to beat in India, but they've had a good result in England during the winter and now they're playing good cricket here in Australia and they did four years ago as well.

"I would hold them in high regard and with more respect because they have that ability and the team to play in all conditions."

India has given Australia their first home defeat since 2003 when India won a test and finished the series at 1-1. So, it shows how much dominance Australia had over the other test playing nations and India’s threatening performance against Australia. There is no doubt, Australia is gearing up to demolish India in the last test, and I think, this is where India has the advantage to win the final test as Australia is now under pressure, despite the fact that India is still 2-1 down the series. What India needs is to hold on their poise and play their natural game.

Australia vs India Third Test: Day Four Review

India has clinched a historic victory over Australia at the WACA ground in Perth. The 72-run victory came though sheer excitement and suspense till the end of the match. Australia would have to make a new record of highest chasing total of this ground in order to win the match, which would break their own record held in 1977 when Australia successfully chased 339 runs in the fourth innings of the match against India.

Well, chasing a mammoth total of 413 runs is not easy in any given ground or any given team. However, Australia had the chance even till the end of the match and their tail-enders, especially Stuart Clark and Mitchell Johnson pushed India all the way, making a 73 run ninth wicket partnership. However, Australia finally failed to bring out a miracle as Stuart Clark fell to Irfan Pathan at his 32, leaving Australia 87 runs away from the victory. However, Mitchell Johnson carried on to reach his career first test half century and was not out at 50, when Shaun Tait got out as the last man, confirming an inspirational victory for India. Australia scored 340 all out in their second innings of the match.

However, earlier in the morning, Rickey Ponting and Mike Hussey started off well with previous day’s 65/2. Both Hussey and Ponting looked confident in their “near-half century” innings, but could not carry on playing big innings, which might turn the match in their way. Ponting scored 45 before falling to Ishant Sharma, while Hussey became the first victim of Rudra Pratap Singh after scoring 46 runs. However, it was Michael Clarke who led Australia to chase the target playing a superb innings of 81 runs. However, with his dismissal, it was written off Australia having any chance to win the match. However, Johnson-Clark drama later came as a surprise for India and those who had already seen Australia with no chance in the match.

Among the Indian bowlers, Irfan Pathan was most successful with three important wickets. Actually, he has proven his inclusion right with performance. Yesterday, Pathan picked up the wickets of two openers, which gave India edge over Australia. Then he brought the breakthrough for India picking up the wicket of Stuart Clark, which was the last blow for Australia from his locker.

Ishant Sharma was not impressive in the morning with some deliveries beating Ponting many times. Rudra Pratap Singh and Anil Kumble took two wickets apiece. Actually, Virender Sehwag’s two wickets in his first two overs were unexpected, but were definitely very important.

Well, India still 1-2 down in the series meaning India has to win the next test as well in order to avoid series lose. Now, let us see if India can continue their excellent form in the next match as well.

Australia vs India Third Test: Online Live Score and Updates

India has won the match by 72 runs. India has decreased the deficit 1-2 in the series.

After 86.5 overs: Australia is 340 all out as Shaun Tait has been played on off RP Singh.  India has projected a superb 72-run victory, stopping Australia's impressive winning strak of 16 test matches.

After 86 overs: Australia is 332/9 Australia needs 81 more runs to win the match and take their winning tally to 17.

After 85 overs: Australia is 327/9 Johnson has been dropped by Dravid, though it was a tough one.

After 84 overs: Australia is 326/9 Stuart Clark has gone back being caught behind off Pthan at his 32. Now, India needs just another wicket to stop Australia's winning streak.

After 83 overs: Australia is 324/8 RP Singh conceded nine runs inthe over.

After 82 oevrs: Australia is 315/8 Irfan Pathan has been brought on and he was impressive. I think, Pathan should be continued as he has the experience of bowling a lot in the slog overs against the tail enders in ODI.


After 81 overs: Australia is 314/8  Johnson and Stuart Clark are going to a thrilling end. It seems that Australia could win the match even from this  stage. India must need to breakthrough now.

After 80 overs: Australia is 307/8 Johnson is in imperious form as he is batting on 40 off just 59 balls.

After 78 overs: Australia is 291/8

After 77 overs: Australia is 290/8 Michael Clarke has gone back to pavillion. So, Australia is almost out of the match.

Now, it is session break at WACA ground in Perth. We will come back soon afte the match starts again.

After 67 overs: Australia is 243/7 Australia needs 170 runs to win the match, while India needs three wickets.

After 66 overs: Australia is 236/7

After 63 overs: Australia is 229/7 Michael Clarke is now the only worry for India.

After 62.2 overs: Australia is 229/7 Brett Le has gone back before getting off the mark. Virender Sehwag is now hero.

After 62 overs: Australia is 228/6 Brett Lee joined Michael Clarke

After 61 over: Australia is 227/6 Gilchrist got out. Sehwag brought the breakthrough.

After 60 overs: Australia is 226/5 Australian batsmen are still in the match. India needs another breakthrough now.

After 59 overs: Australia is 223/5 Michael Clarke is batting on 56 and Adam Gilchrist on 14

After 57 overs: Australia is 216/5 Michael Clarke is batting on 55 runs.

After 55 overs: Australian is 201/5 Australia needs 212 runs to win the match

After 54 overs: Australia is 192/5

After 53 overs: Australia is 191/5 Adam Gilchrist and Michael Clarke are now at the crease. This is the last specialist paor of Australlian wicekts.

After 52 overs: Australia is 190/5

After 51 overs: Australia is 188/5 RP Singh cpnceded two boundaries this over

After 50 overs: Australia is 177/5 India picked up a crucial wicket in this over.

After 49.4 overs: Australia is 177/5 Andrew Symongs got lbw off Kumble for 12

After 49 overs: Australia is 170/4 Australia needs 243 runs more to win the match.

After 48 overs: Australia is 167/4 Kumble and RP Singh are bowling now

After 47 overs: Australia is 166/4 Clarke batting on 21 and Symonds on 6. Australia needs 246 runs more to win the match.

After 46 overs: Australia is 161/4 Andrew Symonds came to the crease following the dismissal of Hussey.

After 45 overs: Australia is 159/4 Australia lost another wicekt as Mike Hussey fell at 46 off RP Singh

After 44 overs: Australia is 153/3 Australian batsmen are sstradily going towards the target. India badly needs a breakthroug now.

After 43 overs: Australia is 151/3

Now, it is luch at WACA in Perth. Both teams have chance in the match. We will be back when play resumes.

After 40 overs: Australia is 142/3 Australia needs 271 runs to win the test match

After 39 overs: Australia is 140/3 Hussey is batting on 39 and Clarke on 9

After 38 overs: Australia is 138/3 Anil Kumble has come to bowl. Australia needs 275 runs more to win the match. India definately needs some quick wicekts at this stage.

After 37 overs: Australia is 131/3 RP Singh has come into action this over.

After 36 overs: Australia is 129/3 Hussey seems to be agressive now. Actually, Australians have been very much positive, despite the fact that they are chasing a big target.

After 35 overs: Australia is 123/3 Australia needs to build another partnership at this stage, while India needs couple of wicekts to stop Australia's winning streak at 16 tests.

After 34 overs: Australia is 122/3 Michael Clarke has joined Hussey. Ishant Sharma has been impressive so far.

After 33.1 overs: Australia is 117/3 Ponting has gone back to pavillion off Sharma at 45.

After 33 overs: Australia is 117/2 Australia needs 296 runs to win the match

After 31 overs: Australia is 111/2 Ponting is batting on 45 and Hussey is on 25

After 30 Overs: Australia is 108/2 Ponting and Hussey seem to be confident. Ishant Sharma and Irfan Pathan are in attack now.

The third of Australia vs India third test has been finished. India has thrown a huge target of 413 runs to Australia. Indian put on 294 runs losing all wickets in the second innings, thanks to the tail Enders for showing enough poise. Indian middle order looked fragile today, except VVS Laxman, who scored innings highest 79 runs before getting out as the last batsman. Irfan Pathan scored 46 and Rudra Pratap Singh came up with his career best 30 that guided India to take the lead over 400. Mahendra Singh Dhoni supported Laxman well playing an importing 38 run innings.

Stuart Clark was impressive with four wickets, while Brett Lee was up to the mark picking up three wickets of Indian innings. However, the situation could have been worst for Australia, if Andrew Symonds could not pick the wickets of Dhoni and Kumble in the same over.

For Australia, they seemed to be aggressive. They have collected 65 runs from 15 overs, though they have already lost the wicket of debutant Rogers and one-down batsman Jaques. Both the wickets were picked up by Pathan. Chasing a total of 413, I think, playing aggressive is a positive approach from Australia. The host still needs 348 runs to win the match. Though it is clear that India has an edge over Australia at this moment, I can not say that Australia is out of the match.

The Day 3 has come to end.

Australia 2nd Innings:

After 15 overs: Australia is 65/2 Ricky Ponting is batting on 24 and Mike Hussey is on 5. Australia needs 348 runs to win the match, while India targets to the eight wickets of Australia.

After 12 overs: Australia is 53/2 Australia is trying to score quickly. It is a positive approach as they are chasing a big score.

After 10 overs: Australia is 47 /2 Australia has lost another wicket as Jaques fell on 16 off Pathan.

After 8 overs: Australia is 38/1 Jaques batting on 14 and Ponting on 7. Australian batsmen are in aggressive mode.

After 3 overs: Australia is 12/0 Rogers hit two boundaries in the last two overs.

After 1 over: Australia is 1/0 Australia is chasing 213 runs to win this match. RP Singh bowled the first over for India.

India 2^nd Innings:

After 80.4 overs: India 294 all out. Laxman fell as the last man at his 79. Lee got the wicket. So, India has given a huge target of 413 for Australia. The host side has to make a new record for this ground to win the match.

After 80 overs: India is 290/9 RP Singh has gone back to the pavilion being caught behind off Stuart Clark at 30. He batted very well. This is the fourth wicket of Clark.

India has 408 runs lead in the match. The highest chasing total of this ground in the fourth innings is 339, that Australia successfully chased against India in 1977. So, Ponting has enough reasons to worry now.

After 75 overs: India is 270/8 Laxman batting on 69 and RP Singh on 20.

After 70 overs: India is 254/8 Laxman and RP Singh are increasing the lead. India still has 372 run lead with two wickets at hand. Michael Clarke dropped Laxman this over. It could be a crucial wicket for Australia.

After 66 overs: India is 245/8 Lee came to bowl and started well with a maiden over.

After 65 overs: India is 245/8 Laxman is not out 57, RP Singh is not on 7. India has taken the lead to 363. Andrew Symonds picked up two wickets that led Australia to come back in the match.

After 57 overs: India is 219/6 This was a five-ball over!!!

After 55 overs: India is 215/6 Laxman and Dhoni seem to have settle down already. The lead is now by 333 runs. Michael Clarke and Andrew Symonds are continuing. Ponting is trying his best to bring a breakthrough for Australia.

After 50 overs: India is 198/6 India is lead by 315 runs. I think, India is gradually increasing the lead.

After 45 overs: India is 182/6 Laxman and Dhoni are steadily increasing the lead. India has taken the lead to 300 runs. What could be the probable target for Australia?

After 43 overs: India is 169/6 Laxman is batting on 23 and Dhoni is batting on 4.

After 40 overs: India is 166/6 Laxman and Dhoni are trying to build a partnership to put on a challenging score for Australia. Stuark Clark is bowling very well maintaining line and length

After 35 overs: India is 160/6 Pathan fell just now to Stuart Clark at 46. Dhoni has come to the crease to join Laxman.

After 33 overs: India is 158/5 Pathan batting on 45 and Laxman on 18

Dear readers, you will get regular updates of the third test of Australia vs India test series in this post entry.

Australia vs India Third Test: Virender Sehwag Made a Descent Come Back

Indian opener Virender Sehwag has come back to test arena after more than 12 months. Though he failed to play a big innings, he made a descent come back with a fiery 29 runs off 58 balls, hitting six boundaries. Anil Kumble hinted earlier that Virender Sehwag was going to be included in the final line up of India for the third test.

Virender Sehwag projected a superb century in the three day practice match, which led his appeal stronger to win a place for the Perth test. He looked confident in his short innings before falling off Johnson, leaving India 57 for one.

Cricinfo reported:

But drama wasn't lacking. Virender Sehwag announced his return to Tests with a series of swishes that got India off to an explosive start, Brett Lee then bowled an outstanding spell to bring Australia back, only for two batting masters, playing in contrasting manners, to take over.

India needed a solid start at Perth, which the openers could give. This is the highest opening partnership for India so far in the series. It is true that India fans expected a big innings from Virender Sehwag. However, considering the fact that it was the first innings for the right handed batsman within 12 months, I think, his performance was not that bad. Now, let us see if Virender Sehwag can come up with a big innings in India’s second Innings.

Australia vs India Third Test: Brett Lee Keeps Australia in the Match

Brett Lee’s inspirational performance served Australia to have an edge over the touring India after the end of the first day at Perth. This is the third test of the series with Australia leading 2-0. So, it is must-win match for India. The tourists started it well after winning the toss in the morning. Australia could not manage early wicket at Perth as they did in the first two tests.

However, Australia included four pacers for the Perth test, considering the pacer friendly wicket of WACA ground in Perth. After the 57 run opening stand and 139 run third wicket partnerships between Tendulkar and Dravid, Brett Lee hold India to 297 for six, picking up some important wickets at the crucial stages. Lee brought the breakthrough for Australia stopping Dravid-Tendulkar’s impressive partnership, picking up the wicket of Sachin Tendulkar. Then, Lee gave the last blow to India making VVS Laxman his third victim with just three overs to go in the day.

Herald Sun reported:

However the match changed course after tea when spearhead Lee dismissed Sachin Tendulkar through a contentious lbw decision by Pakistani umpire Asad Rauf, and backed up 10 minutes before stumps with the key scalp of V. V. S. Laxman.

Brett Lee bowled well maintaining line and length. Not only pace, he was very tricky with his bowling. Now, let us see if Brett Lee can continue his prime form picking up early wickets today.

Australia vs India Third Test: Can India Reach 400 in the First Innings?

After a spate of controversies following the infamous second test of Australia vs India test series, the third test began yesterday at WACA ground of Perth. After the end of first day, neither India nor Australia is in the driving seat. With two half centuries from Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar, India reached 297 for six at stumps of the first day.

Well, if the match were held anywhere else, instead of Perth’s pacer friendly condition, then it could easily be written that India had a bad day. However, considering the wicket of WACA and the past record of the stadium, India is still in the match. India started off well in the morning, putting on a half century in the opening stand, highest in the series for India so far. However, India was under pressure following the dismissal of two back-to-back wickets.

However, Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar eased of pressure with a 139 run partnership in the third wicket. Both the batsmen were batting confidently hitting boundaries around the wickets. However, Brett Lee bought an important breakthrough for Australia, picking up the wicket of Sachin Tendulkar at his 71. Later on, Australian bowlers claimed some wickets quickly, leading Australian to come back in the match.

According to cricket analysts, a 400 could be a competitive total for India. India has wicketkeeper batsmen Mahendra Singh Dhoni and bowling all rounder Irfan Pathan in the wicket, both batting on 8. If India’s tail Enders put some runs on the board then 400 is not that much difficult for India. However, the morning session would be difficult for India. A good partnership between Dhoni and Pathan would give a huge boost to India.

Do you think, India can reach 400 in the first innings?

Related Article:
Cricinfo

Australia vs India Third Test: Sachin Tendulkar Guided India with an Impressive Innings

India is touring Australia with their veteran stars who are at the very end of their career. With batting trio- Sachin, Sourav and Dravid, coupled with VVS Laxman and Captain Anil Kumble, India looked a team of some over-aged players. However, the reality is different as India is consistently getting the support from their veterans.

Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid have again served India with impressive batting performance in the first day of Perth test. India decided to bat first after winning the toss in the morning. Openers put on series highest 57 runs on the board before the departure of Virender Sehwag in the 17^th over. India suffered another blow when Jaffer followed Virender Sehwag just after two overs, leaving India 59/2. That was the start of the 139 run partnership between Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. Rahul Dravid played a superb innings of 93 runs.

Sachin Tendulkar scored 71 runs off 128 balls. In his entertaining innings Sachin hit nine boundaries. Sachin looked confident enough and Indian fans were waiting for another enthralling century, which would have guided India to a better position after the end of the first day. However, he fell off Brett Lee at 71, leaving India at 198/3. With this wicket, Australia got a crucial breakthrough in the match and did not let India to build any effective partnership in the day.

Sachin Tendulkar reeled off an excellent century in the second test. Now, India wants similar performance from Tendulkar in the second innings of the test.

Related Article:
Reuters

Australia vs India Third Test: Rahul Dravid Gets His Form Back with Classy 93

The third of Australian vs India test series has been started yesterday with India batting first after winning the toss. India got off to a good start from the two openers. Then Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid guided India to 297 for 6 at stumps. Rahul Dravid has finally played an excellent innings following a tough time with bat in the first two tests. He had half century in the second test; however, Dravid appeared with his classy shots yesterday.

Rahul Dravid came to bat at the 17^th over when India was on 57 for 1. After getting back his favorite no. 3 position, he played an excellent innings of 93 off 183 balls, hitting 14 boundaries. The batsman played with ease and never looked nervous throughout his innings. However, the way he fell was not classy at all. He feel short of just 7 runs from another superb century.

Rahul Dravid was instrumental in India’s last tour to Australian, which ended with a 1-1 draw. Now, India, 2-0 down in the series, needs similar performance from Rahul Dravid in order to save the series, winning last two tests.

Do you think, Rahul Dravid will repeat his impressive performance once again in Australia?

Related Article:

Cricinfo

Australia vs India Third Test: Virender Sehwag in, Yuvraj Singh out

With an inspirational century against ACT Invitational XI, Virender Sehwag now seems to have confirmed a place in the final line up of India for the third test. The hard hitter was not in the final line up of the first two tests. Now, having lost both tests, India is going to include Sehwag for the upcoming test and the most likely player to be replaced is Yuvraj Singh.

Yuvraj Singh could not impress in the tour with his four innings- 0, 5, 12, 0- amassing only 17 runs. However, the batsman was in an imperious from in the home series against Pakistan. Noiw, it is almost certain that Yuvraj Singh is going to be dropped and Virender Sehwag will replace him.

Hindustan Times reported:

"We still have to have a final look at the pitch but in all probability Sehwag will come in," Kumble told a news conference on Tuesday………

Rahul Dravid, who opened in the first two Tests, would revert back to his normal position at number three while Vangipurappu Laxman, Sachin Tendulkar and Saurav Ganguly would all drop back one spot with Yuvraj Singh likely to be dropped.

Virender Sehwag has been out of test cricket for 12 months and he was also dropped from India’s ODI team following the poor ICC World Cup performance. Sehwag was recalled for India’s Twenty20 world cup mission, where his performance was not that much satisfactory. Then he has been included for India’s tour to Australia amidst huge controversy, because of his poor form in the domestic cricket. However, he indicated his coming back to form with a century in the practice match. So, he is going to play his first match in the series.

Australia vs India Test Series: Gary Kirsten Says, ‘I will have different perspective’

India’s newly appointed coach, Gary Kirsten has recently talked about the recent controversy following the second test of the Australia vs India test series. A former South African batsman has said that the spirit of the game was breached. He ahs also stated that if he were in the battle then he would have different perspective.

NDTV reported:

"The spirit of the game was breached and I'm not sitting on the fence. The game doesn't need two nations saying I was right. To me it's sad what is going on," said Gary Kirsten Coach, Indian Cricket Team.
"I'm looking at it objectively because I wasn't in the heat of the battle. Maybe I'll have a different perspective if I was in the heat of the battle," said Gary.

Indian bowler Harbhajan Singh was given three-match ban for racial abuse which led India to appeal against the verdict given by match referee Mike Proctor. India also bought charge against Brad Hogg of Australia for racial abuse. Then poor umpiring was also an issue of India and on their demand, ICC replaced two umpires Steve Bucknor and Mark Benson ahead of the Perth test. However, India dropped their charge against Brad Hogg following a successful meeting between two captains. Harbhajan Singh was also cleared off to take part in the Perth test, pending his appeal against three-match ban. So, the situation has come under control recently.

Australia vs India Third Test: Australian Squad

Australian is now leading the series with two victories in the first two test matches. However, Australia had to go though a tough time following the second test of the series. So, even two victories did give them any relief. Now, ahead of the third test in Perth, Australia will need to be motivated to play well with the right spirit. Aussie opener Mathew Hayden has been out of the third test with hamstring injury and Chris Rogers is going to play his debut test against India today.

So, it is a big day for the Western Australia opener. The 30-year-old has already played 104 first class matches with 22 centuries and more than eight thousand runs to his credit. Pacer Shaun Tait will come back in test arena after more than two year with this match replacing spinner Brad Hogg.

Reuters reported:

Hayden scored centuries in each of the first two tests but had to bat with a runner in the second innings in Sydney after straining a hamstring.

"It was just too much of a risk of him going into this game with that sort of niggle just in case it did blow up again in the first innings," Ponting told a news conference on Tuesday.

"Obviously he probably wouldn't have been able to get a runner from there on and it was too great a risk coming into this game."

These two changes will be seen in the Perth test. Perth wicket always helps the pacers. Batsmen found it difficult to score on Perth many times in the past. So, Tait’s inclusion would make their bowling line up stronger. Lee, Johnson, Stuart Clark along with Tait are enough to pose threat to the India’s star batsmen. Michael Clarke and Andrew Symonds are two effective bowlers who can bring breakthrough in crucial stages. So, Australian might not face the absence of a specialist spinner in the match.

Australia vs India Third Test: Indian Squad

India is going to play the third test of the four match series against Australia today at the W.A.C.A Stadium, Perth. India is 2-0 down in the test series with two matches remaining. So, both the upcoming matches are much more important for India as they have to win both the tests in order to level the series. Even a die hard Indian fan can not be that much optimistic to say that India would be bale to make the series draw, clinching tow successive victories in the last two tests.

India’s star batsmen could not show enough resistance in the last two tests, what was instrumental behind India’s loses in Melbourne and Sydney. It was really unexpected that India would lose in the second test, even after dominating for almost four days. India’s batting line up looked fragile when it broke down suddenly in the final day of second test.

Now, ahead of the third test, it is almost certain that opener Virender Sehwag is going to be rewarded for his recent century in a practice match, winning a place in the final line up. It would lead Indian batting line up to go through a reshuffle in the batting order. Virender Sehwag is likely to open the innings along with Wasim Jaffer. Rahul Dravid would come at no. 3 followed by Laxman, Tendulkar and Ganguly. In that case, Yuvraj Singh might be dropped from the first eleven.

One more change could be made in the Indian line up. Considering the pace friendly wicket of Perth, India might play three pacers, which would see Harbhajan Singh being dropped from the final line up. Irfan Pathan is under consideration for the place of the third pacer. Indian captain Anil Kumble has said that the final decision regarding the line up will be taken after observing the wicket at the morning of the match day.

Australia vs India Third Test in Live TV

Australia vs Indian third test is now just few hours away. The much-awaited third test is going to be started at the W.A.C.A. Ground, Perth. Australia leads the series 2-0 with no fear of losing test series at least. However, India can not be that much relaxed ahead of two ‘must-win’ matches. Australia loses their opening batsman, Mathew Hayden, who is out with hamstring injury, in the third test. So, it is almost certain that opening batsman Chris Rogers is going to have his debut in Perth. However, there is no more injury news in Australian side. Rather, Australian has got pacer Shaun Tait to be available for the third test.

In contrast, India does not have injury woe. Their prime concern is their star studded batting line up, which often looked fragile in the last two tests. In fact, a sudden collapse in the second innings of Sydney test saw India lose the second test unexpectedly. The recent news is that opener Virender Sehwag has been recalled for the third test. Now, the question comes in here is that who is going be to replaced by Sehwag. The most likely name is Yuvraj Singh, who failed to continue his impressive home from in Australia.

Well, ahead of the important match, most of you are eager to watch the live action of the match in your television. So, considering your utmost convenient, I am giving the name of the television channels which are going to bring you the live action of the third test from Perth. Here are the channels:

Sky Sports

Sky Sports is one of the most popular sports channels of Europe. You can watch the match on Sky Sports, if you are currently in Europe. This is a pay channel. So, you need to pay for watching the match on Sky Sports.

Star Cricket

Star Cricket is the new channel of ESPNSTARSPORTS network. Based on India, the channel is yet to reach the every corner of the country. It is also a pay channel for which you need pay.

Fox Sports

Fox Sports is an American sports channel. The channel has world wide coverage with viewers around the world. You can also watch the match on Fox Sports, for what you need to pay for.

Australia vs India Third Test: The Focus is Now on Cricket

A lot have been written on the controversial Sydney test over the last one week. There were matters, both on and off the field, which kept the focus of media out of cricket. Well, with India dropping their charge against Brad Hogg, ICC’s appointment of two new umpires replacing Bucknor and Benson, and ICC allowing Harbhajan Singh pending his appeal against three-est ban, the situation has come under control.

Australian vs India third test is going to be started within few hours. India is now down 0-2 in the series and they have no option expect win in the last two tests. Now, ahead of the Perth test, it seems that focus has come to cricket and players are expected to be in right spirit this time around.

BBC reported:

After gathering again in Perth, the players had a "get-everything-out-in-the-open" meeting, said Ponting, and vowed to brush up on any areas where they thought their behaviour was below par.

More than anything else, they were just looking forward to retaking the field.

India has to win both the test remaining in the four match test series. Australian vs India Perth test is now the center of whole cricket world. No body wants to see any more humiliating controversies on the cricket field. Rather, it has been a common expectation of all to have an exciting match in Perth.

Australia vs India 3rd Test: Preview and Live Score

If you interested to get the online live score and updates of the Australia vs India third test then follow the link given below:

Australia vs India Third Test: Online Live Score and Updates

http://techblogbiz.blogspot.com/2008/01/australia-vs-india-third-test-online.html

The third test of Australian vs India test series kicks off from 16 January at the W.A.C.A. Ground of Perth. Lots of controversies came in the way of Perth test. The situation seems to be calm down now with some mutual discussion between the two sides. Even ICC needed to interfere to keep the situation under control when India posed a threat to boycott the Perth test following bad umpiring and Harbhajan Singh’s three match ban by Match referee Mike proctor bringing a charge of racial abuse against the off spinner. Meanwhile, a series of bad umpiring decisions, especially in the Sydney test, had already made BCCI prepared to appeal against the two umpires Steve Bucknor and Mark Benson.

ICC then replaced both of them for the Perth test by New Zealand umpire Billy Bowden and Pakistani umpire Asad Rauf. Following this decision of ICC, India agreed to continue the series. Still, there is a possible threat for Bucknor of being left out from the elite panel of ICC umpires.

The Australian reported:

Indian fans had publicly burned effigies of the umpire and threatened his life.

Last seen shopping in Sydney, Bucknor has apparently gone home to Jamaica.

His employer, the ICC, refuse to say what has become of him or if he will ever umpire again.

Bucknor is the veteran of 120 Test matches and 167 One-Day Internationals.

He was to have stood in the Perth Test but was replaced by New Zealand umpire Billy Bowden, who caught up with the Indian players at the WACA yesterday.

Moreover, there were few more things to take into account. India also brought a charge of racial abuse against Australian bowler Brad Hogg. So, it was another blow came just after the end of Sydney test. However, the good news is that India captain Anil Kumble has dropped their charge against Hogg, which came in the aftermath of a meeting of two captains and Ranjan Madugalle.

Cricinfo reported:

Kumble explained that the game had to move on. "Ricky and I had a discussion with Ranjan [Madugalle] and after that it was important that the game of cricket moves on," he said. "Cricket is larger than any individual. It is important we forget what happened in Sydney, it was just one of those bad moments, just an incident probably in the heat of the moment. And we decided as a team to move on and remove the charges against Brad Hogg. It's important that we moved on."

It is a really a big news for the fans who are eager to see the series continues. The only thing that is yet to be solved is BCCI’s appeal against Harbhajan Singh’s three-test ban. However, he can take part in the Perth test, pending his appeal. Judge John Hansen from New Zealand will give the final verdict over the matter. Now, if the final verdict comes after the end of the series, then Harbhajan Singh will have no problem to take part in the last test of the series as well.

AFP reported:

New Zealand judge John Hansen has been appointed as commissioner for Harbhajan's appeal against the racism charge.

In the meantime, Harbhajan will continue to play pending the verdict of the appeal.

The paper said some in the team management had confirmed they wanted the row over before the third Test, which starts in Perth on Wednesday.

"It should be done away with before the match because the players should not go into such a crucial game thinking about what might happen on this front," the paper quoted the senior member saying.

"We have always maintained that he (Harbhajan) didn't use any foul word and will continue doing so."

Now, let us come to on-field matters. India is now 0-2 down in the series with tests left at hand. So, India has already found their back on the wall as they need to win both the tests to level the series. Even a die hard Indian fan can not be so optimistic that India will be able to win the last two tests leveling the series. Moreover, it has been clear that Indian batsmen are going to face some challenging tasks in the Perth test considering the wicket of Perth. So, it also indicates a low scoring match.

What is more important for Indian now is to decide if Virender Sehwag is given a chance in the Perth test. Yes, it is a big question. Sehwag played well against ACT invitational XI, which left the Indian management to take a hard decision over their opening pair. Added to that, Wasim Jaffer also played a good innings in the three day match, making the task difficult for Indian selectors.

Aside from these issues, there could be another question out regarding India’s bowling line up. Thinking of the condition of Perth, Indian may opt for three pacer strategy. Then, India needs to curtail their batting line up or opt out Harbhajan Singh. I think, Irfan Pathan could be an effective choice, though his bowling in the three day match was not that much satisfactory.

Australian side has not any big problem in their squad except Mathew Hayden’s injury woe. However, he is not yet out of the Perth test. The good news for Australia is that pacer Shaun Tait is ready to come back in action, which will definitely increase strength of Australian bowling side in Perth.

Australian vs India: Live on Different TV Channels

Those who are now eager to watch the match live on your television should know which channels are going to telecast the match. Here, I am giving the list of the television channel where you can watch match live on:

Sky Sports

Star Cricket

Fox Sports

Australian vs India Third Test: Online Live Score

I know that many of you are now eagerly waiting for the test. You must be keen to see if India can bounce back in the series. However, those who are not able to mange you time to watch the live action of the match or if you do not have access to the channel the match will be telecast, then you can visit the following websites to get the online live score and updates of the match:

Cricinfo

BBC

CricketNext

Action8Cricket

Stickiewicket

Cricket.sulekha

Cricketzone

Whatever the result is; cricket fans do not want to see any more controversy in the series. Ahead of the Perth test, everybody wants to see a good cricketing spirit among the cricketers. Now, let us see if India and Australia can present with an exciting match with no controversy.