Couch Critic previews the third test match between Australia and India which gets underway in Sydney on Thursday 7th January including best bets from @Olimp_SA
AUSTRALIA vs INDIA 3rd Test, Sydney. Thursday 07 Jan @ 01:30
The Indians bounced back in style to level the series with an impressive effort in Melbourne. We now head to Sydney for the crucial third test of the four-match series starting on Thursday.
Setting the Scene
Off the back of a humiliating defeat, where they were rolled for a meagre 36 the visitors showed plenty of bottle to amass 326 against the lethal Aussie attack without their star performer, Virat Kohli. Stand-in skipper, Rahane proving the difference. For the hosts their batting has been the real issue as they are yet to exceed 200 in the series.
How I see it playing out
The Aussies will be dead keen for a bounce back showing but they need to fix their batting frailties soonest. Warner should return to help in this regard and Steve Smith will be hoping a return to his home ground is the right medicine to rectify his game. The SCG is usually a fair pitch which isn’t likely to assist the quicks too much – something which should play in the favour of the visitors. A Indian repeat certainly isn’t out of the question.
Betolimp Best Bets
Top India 1st Innings Batsman – GH Vihari @ 9.00
Vihari doesn’t quite have the big scores to show for his efforts but he looked at ease in Adelaide and given his price the middle order batsman looks a good call (I am hoping he doesn’t get asked to move up to face the new ball).
Top Australia 1st Innings Batsman – M Wade @ 6.00
Wade offered great value in the previous test and that has unfortunately now disappeared. There is a chance that the feisty left-hander could be moved down the order with Warner returning and Head possibly facing the axe. I would actually prefer this switch but regardless, he has looked the most in-from batter in a struggling bunch thus far. I feel this is still a good play despite expecting some runs from Steve Smith this time around.
Man of the Match – RA Jadeja @ 21.00
Jadeja made an important fifty in the first innings and chipped in with a few wickets as well. The SCG should offer the spinners something (Lyon took 10 sticks here against the Kiwis a year ago) and if India are going to make it back-to-back wins I expect Jadeja to play a big part.
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Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change
Couch Critic
