INDIA V AUSTRALIA
FIRST TEST, PUNE IF day one of the four-Test series is anything to go by, India are still coming to grips with the Decision Review System.
India’s stubborn resistance to DRS, which had never been used in a Border-Gavaskar battle until yesterday, ended late last year.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India trialled the system during England’s recent visit and were happy for it to be used during Australia’s tour.
The system gives both sides two referrals per 80 overs of a Test, allowing them a chance to overturn on-field decisions with the help of the third umpire and certain technology.
Intended to remove howlers, Indian captain Virat Kohli rolled the dice and burned both reviews before tea.
Offie Ravichandran Ashwin and wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha were adamant Matt Renshaw was out, edging in the 10th over, convincing reluctant Kohli to refer.
In the 39th over, ball-tracking replays confirmed Umesh Yadav’s lbw appeal was optimistic at best. Saha had again insisted to Kohli it was out. Kohli reviewed despite the unsolicited advice of opposing captain Steve Smith, who told him the ball was going down leg. “He tried to help India’s captain,” Michael Clarke said on Star Sports. “He got it wrong for the second time.
“Right now, it doesn’t seem costly but, if there is a dismissal now that is given not out — a blatant one — that’s when it becomes very costly.”
In sharp contrast, DRS saved Mitch Marsh from the ignominy of a second-ball duck. Marsh successfully reviewed his caught-behind dismissal in the second session.
MATT THE HERO Remember how Matt Renshaw was the weak link in the order?
Not even a bout of Delhi belly could stop Renshaw from a dogged knock which at least kept the Aussies ticking along. It’s early days but he showed enough to suggest he may end up teaching his older teammates a few things on tour.
WHAT NEXT? Australia need to keep finding ways to make runs.
Basically,
India may have spinners, but they also own a powerful batting arsenal. How the visitors handle the twin threats is key to them staying in the contest on the second day.