Aussies staring down the barrel by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Scorecard:	India v Australia
Event:	Australia in India 2008/09

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DateLine: 20th October 2008

 

Ishant,Bhajji put India in a commanding position after Gambhir scores a brilliant hundred Aussies were tottering at 58 for 5 at one stage before a rearguard action from Haddin and Michael Clarke made sure Aussies saved the blushes ending day four at 141 for 5 still needing 375 runs to win on the final day.India set a victory target of 516 with a minimum of 136 overs, declaring at 314 for 3. Harbhajan ran through the top order leaving Australia at 52 for 3 at one stage,before Ishant got rid of Ponting once again cleaning him up with an absolute ripper,and followed it up by trapping Watson in front.
Bhajji Strikes
When Australia started chasing down 515 they went hell for leather. The openers Hayden and Katich went after the Indian new ball bowlers scoring at six an over.Harbhajan was introduced into the attack.Straight away he got the wicket of Hayden trapped in front sweeping.Katich was caught brilliantly by Sachin at backward point diving in front of him.His celebrations after taking the catch was there to see for everyone.Twin strikes just before tea put Australia on the backfoot.He followed it up with the wicket of Hussey trapped front pulling a ball that kept low.These reckless shots against Bhajji in his first three overs were enough to put India on top.
Gambhir's brilliant knock
Gambhir came up with a brilliant hundred ,second of his career and along with Sehwag continued from where they left yesterday evening.They ran hard between wickets,there were some close calls ,in between they got the boundaries and were going at five an over before Viru edged one to the keeper of Siddle ten short of his hundred.Dhoni promoted himself up the order to force the pace. India scored 130 runs of 26 overs in the first session.Gambhir finally completed his well deserved hundred and got out just before lunch.
Declaration was imminent
It was a matter of time when India would declare after lunch. Saurav was sent ahead of Sachin to keep the left right combination going.The body language of Australia told a tale.They were waiting for the declaration to happen.The quick's got nothing out of the pitch and one wondered why Lee came into bowl only after lunch with a split webbing.By that time it was too late.Saurav got out trying to slog Lee and India declared at 314 for 3 setting Aussies a stiff target of 516 one hour after lunch.Dhoni came up wth a timely half century.

(Article: Copyright © 2008 CricketArchive)