India vs Australia Test Series

[Santander]

The best era in Indian cricket was certainly the era starting when Tiger Pataudi became captain, through legends like Bishan Bedi, Chandra, Vishy, Sunny, Jimmy, all the way to a young Kapil Dev and the 1983 World Cup victory defending 183 in 60 overs vs the great team of all-time. No team assembled in Indian cricket since has approached the courage and tamasha of those teams, although there have been some very charming individual performances by the likes of Viru.

I don't know anyone except the most deranged India supporter with no respect for history who reminisces about the "good old days" of India/Australia cricket 10 years ago. Australians think about the great Ashes series of that era, and true Indian cricket fans think back to the fiery encounters with Pakistan in the 90s and being terrorized (for lack of a better word) by the two Ws and Shoaib Akhtar. Virat's India is far better and more entertaining - they take risks, they behave like Australians (not necessarily a good thing, but it is entertaining), and they're a more complete team despite still not having filled Zaheer Khan's shoes.

[Santander]

O'Keefe had better match figures than Shane Warnes best fogures.

And Steve Smith's current form has him on track to surpass Ricky Ponting as Australia's 2nd best batdman of all time.

Greg Chappell? Victor Trumper?

[Santander]

O'Keefe had better match figures than Shane Warnes best fogures.

And Steve Smith's current form has him on track to surpass Ricky Ponting as Australia's 2nd best batdman of all time.

Greg Chappell? Victor Trumper?

Smith's only played 51 tests and is nearly at 5,000 runs averaging 60 runs per innings. Chappell played 87 tests for 7,110 runs at an average of 53. Trumper scored 3,163 at an average of 39. Smith's aleady passed him. Not to mention he's only 27, and 28-33 are usually a batsman's glory years. I think he has at least 8 mor years left in him, possibly 10. He'll easily go past Chappell in that time, and I will be very surprised if he fails to pass Ponting.

To compare a modern batsman to Victor Trumper (or any player from the Golden Age) on batting averages is deeply flawed...

Steve Smith is certainly a great player, but he's not a great player just because of the number of runs he's scored or his batting average.

[Santander]

I've always considered Nathan Lyon to be very likable for an Aussie cricketer and somewhat underrated, but taking 8/50 in the first innings of a Test bowling offspin?! Insanity.

[Santander]

Interesting start to Day 4 so far. Good work by Oz with the cherry and a surprisingly decent 10th wicket stand by India.

[Santander]

I know everyone hates Bangladesh and most people are not excited about Sri Lanka, but the last day of the other Test being played right now is delicately poised. Obviously, on paper, Bangladesh have the advantage, but they didn't exactly achieve their world-class record of 8 wins in 99 Tests by rising to the occasion when required.

Hoping for a Herath 10-wicket haul and a SL win.

[Santander]

India can setup a big 1st innings lead here.

Australia only making 300.

I don't know why Australia played so risky and fast , all they need is a draw . I think now India is very likely to win.

Australia doesn't play for draws.