In cool Dharamsala, it’s win or bust
While India have the momentum to win the BorderGavaskar Trophy, Australia will be looking for a draw to dent popular perceptions
After six months, 12 Tests, the Indian season finally ends in the picturesque venue of Dharamsala. India have dominated the season, having blown New Zealand away 3-0, England 4-0 and Bangladesh in the one-off Test. Heading into the series against Australia, India were expected to continue their winning ways.
However, Australia have defied all pre-series predictions and put up a stellar performance. Their first win in India after 13 years in the Pune Test jolted Virat Kohli and the team.
However, India roared back with a win in Bangalore and a gritty Australian rearguard in Ranchi prevented an India win. This has set up the series beautifully.
The stakes are high for both teams. For India, a series loss would partially undo the success against New Zealand, England and Bangladesh.
However, a win in Dharamsala will lay the foundations for greatness. A win or a draw for Australia will ensure that not only the Border-Gavaskar trophy is retained but more importantly, they would have conquered one of the strongest Indian teams in tough conditions.
On Friday evening, the BCCI informed that Mumbai batsman Shreyas Iyer and Bengal pacer Mohammad Shami were included in the Indian squad for the fourth Test at Dharamsala.
KOHLI’S FITNESS
In the Friday pre-match nets session, Kohli felt discomfort on his right shoulder while warming up but while batting, he did not feel any pain.
In the press conference, Kohli said, “Me being 100 per cent fit is the only condition that I will play.
The injury has an element of being aggravated in the field. While batting, there is no discomfort. I have taken medication after the last game and that is why I have to take a bit of time before I take a call.”
PITCH QUESTIONS
After the Pune pitch was rated poor and the Bangalore pitch below average by the ICC, Ranchi dished out a pitch which lasted five days.
HPCA chief curator Sunil Chauhan has stated that the Dharamsala pitch will be a true wicket with assistance for the fast bowlers.
Will India go with three pacers? The recent history of the HPCA pitch suggests that pace has taken more wickets at this
venue. In the Friday nets, Bhuvneshwar Kumar was given a lengthy bowling stint, which suggests that he could be picked.
However, there is no clarity on whether Mohammed Shami, who bowled in the Thursday nets session, will be picked. For Australia, there are reports that Jackson Bird would fit in as the third pacer.