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Gavaskar opined that the rest of the batting line-up has to deal with the situation with utmost patience to put the pressure back on Australia.
Sunil Gavaskar (PTI Photo)
A dominant show from the hosts has put India in a spot of bother in the ongoing fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). In response to Australia’s mammoth 474, the tourists came up with a brilliant 102-run stand between Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal for the third wicket. However, a familiar collapse unfolded at the MCG after the young opener succumbed to a silly run out.
The dismissal seemed to have opened the floodgates for India as they lost three more men in quick succession. At stumps, India stared down the barrel at 164/5 and were 310 runs behind the Aussies. The visitors need another 111 runs to avoid the follow-on, but according to legend Sunil Gavaskar, only that won’t suffice.
Speaking on Star Sports, Gavaskar opined that the rest of the batting line-up has to deal with the situation with utmost patience to put the pressure back on Australia.
“Jadeja batted really well at Gabba, so he needs to bring in the same application here as well. Pant is the kind of player who we know can take the game apart. So, we need another – India needs another 100-plus partnership. It’s not just about saving the follow-on. India needs to spend a little more time at the crease tomorrow. Even if they can take it till post-lunch, they give themselves a very good chance,” Gavaskar said.
The batting legend further stated that India have to take their bat to the third session to get closer to the Australian total. He added that if the tourists fail to do so, the hosts will bat them out of the game.
“Clearly, India needs to put their heads down. As I said, they have to try and take their first innings past lunch, maybe as close to tea as possible, and therefore get as close as possible to the Australian total. Australia will not give you the follow-on, make no mistake. Even if India falls short of 274, Australia will not give you the follow-on. They’ll want to bat you out of the game,” Gavaskar concluded.
- Location :
Melbourne, Australia
