Former India spinner turned veteran commentator Harbhajan Singh doesn’t think Australia will look to add more runs and then try to bowl India out on Day 5 of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 third Test. He also questioned whether the Australian pacers have enough
strength remaining in their legs to try and dismiss India in two sessions as well.
However, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc are the only two fit specialist seamers in Australia’s bowling lineup. Josh Hazlewood, who suffered a calf injury, bowled only one over on Day 4 (Tuesday, December 17) of the third Test in Brisbane and is unlikely to take any further part in the game as well.
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During a discussion on Star Sports, Harbhajan Singh said, “Things would have been different if there had been a follow-on. The same 200 runs would have looked very large. However, Australia now know they have to bat. So how long should they bat and should they make them (India) bat again or not? That’s the first thing and secondly, do their fast bowlers still have the strength left in their legs?”
“We saw Starc and Cummins bowling big spells and Hazlewood, who could have been a massive factor on this pitch, is injured. Your third bowler is Nathan Lyon. So I don’t think Australia have the scope of adding 100-150 runs and making India play two sessions. They might have that thinking but I don’t think that much strength would be left in their legs,” Harbhajan Singh further added.
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In the same discussion, Harbhajan Singh was also asked about the approach India should adopt on Day 5 as well.
“Take your time and plan where to bowl to which batter. Attack with the new ball, try to get them out, but along with that save fours as well. You shouldn’t unnecessarily give fours. We have seen that this is a new-ball pitch. There is movement with the new ball. If India get four batters out with the new ball in the first hour, the same Australia will play steadily and say they need to spend more time, and then this Test match will go towards a draw. So India’s intent should be to get them out and not to give them fours,” Harbhajan Singh concluded.
