FIVE THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN RANCHI TEST

THE PITCH ISSUE

Probably the biggest mystery going into this Test. It looks mottled. The areas near the popping crease look worryingly bare. The curator, too, hasn’t been most confident about his baby amid talk that the Ranchi pitch might play to its reputation -- a slow, low turner that could last five days.

ANOTHER CRUCIAL TOSS

In Pune, Australia won the toss, batted first and won by a landslide margin. In Bangalore, India won the toss and won by 75 runs. Given the state of pitches offered so far, batting first should be the key. If things go in a similar fashion, winning the toss will become crucial in this Test.

DRS DILEMMA THIRD SPINNER FOR INDIA?

Virat is a big fan of the ‘six batsmen-five bowlers’ combination. The Ranchi pitch could prompt a rethink though. If India want a third spinner, Kohli has to choose between off-spinner Jayant Yadav and chinaman Kuldeep Yadav. Given Jayant’s no show in Pune, Kohli might be inclined towards Kuldeep. Much has been said and written about the way both teams have interpreted the DRS rules and implemented them on field. Australia captain Steve Smith was heavily criticised for his ‘brain fade’ but let’s not forget how miserable India looked with some of their ridiculous reviews.

SPECIALIST FIELDERS

Abhinav Mukund isn’t having the best of time with the bat. Neither is he comfortable at short-leg. But he isn’t the only one to be dropping catches at close-in positions. At 1-1, India can’t afford to drop any more catches. From here on, India need to convert even the half-chances if they want to win.