FIVE THINGS THAT CHANGED THE GAME
A look at the crucial moments that worked in India’s favour in Bangalore.
JADEJA’S STRIKES
With Australia chugging along nicely at 82/1 in reply to India’s 189 in the first innings, India needed wickets. Ravindra Jadeja dented the innings with regular strikes. He first dismissed Steve Smith for eight and then drew out the well-settled Matt Renshaw to get him stumped. A little while later, he got Peter Handscombe.
RAHUL’S FIFTY
Facing a deficit of 87, India badly needed a solid start at the top. KL Rahul provided that with another half century in the match following his 90 in first innings. For the record, it was his fourth half century. He was helped by Australian pacers not bowling a tight line. His knock of 51 (off 85 balls) ensured India wipe out the deficit, put the pressure back on Australia and lay the platform for those coming in later.
THE PUJARARAHANE SHOW
After a flurry of wickets which saw them lose Rahul, Virat Kohli (cheaply again) and Ravindra Jadeja, the hosts needed some calm heads to steer them and set the Aussies a challenging target. Chetheswar Pujara, having survived a few close calls, buckled down and was helped by a resolute Ajinkya Rahane. The two added 118 runs to take the lead beyond 150 and thereby pose a challenging total.
WARNER SWEEPS
Throughout this tour, David Warner, one of the lynchpins of Australian batting, has had to play against his nature and curb his instincts. For once, he tried to break the shackles. After hammering Ashwin for a six, he tried to sweep him to the boundary but missed the line and was given out. Desperate, the visiting vice-captain went for a review but it went against him.
SMITH AND HIS REVIEW
All rested on skipper Steve Smith and Shaun Marsh. Marsh was leg-before but perhaps aware of the loss of a review due to Warner, the left-hander opted not to, saving the last one for his skipper. Replays, however, showed the review could have saved him. Smith couldn’t last long as an Umesh Yadav delivery stayed low trapping him leg-before. He wanted to review, but was caught in two minds.