NEW DELHI: The fourth and final Test match between India and Australia has reached an exciting stage. Scoring runs in a chase on the last day is not easy, hence India needs a sheer determination to score a win. After Adelaide, Team India has shown a brilliant comeback and has been performing consistently in every match. Although India has exhibited a good fighting ability, we must remember that vanquishing Australia in Gabba is not an easy nut to crack.
We should remember the fact that Pakistan scored 450 runs in the fourth innings in 2016 at Brisbane, and could only score 335 on the last day in 2019. Gabba is an uncertain place. But, India can benefit highly if they play their natural game and manage their momentum.
If the pair of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill gives a good start to the team, it will boost the morale of the middle-order and might also pave the way to victory. India needs to play an aggressive-defensive game in a balanced fashion. If the gods of rain are pleased, it would be very good for the team, but if India gets a good start and runs at a good pace till lunch, then they can topple the opposition.
I emphasise that Rohit Sharma and Gill need to score a good partnership for the first wicket. It is not easy to bowl in front of these great guns in the conditions there. Indian batsmen will likely benefit from the new ball, as it will come on the bat and will help them to play the strokes easily. However, at the same time, Australian fast bowlers can also benefit from the same.
It is important to note that the highest successful chase at Gabba came in 1951 when Australia finished 236/7. However, the Tim Paine led-side have fresher memories of how India incredibly salvaged a draw last week in Sydney.
The writer is a former Indian wicketkeeper. He has played 49 Tests, and 94 ODIs .
