India looks to flip the script in Sydney

Jasprit Bumrah chats with Coach Gautam Gambhir 

A new year with its tidings of hope is the overwhelming theme whenever January chimes in. It is no different this time around, especially for India, as they face the challenge of altering the script in the current Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.

Trailing 1-2, the fifth and final Test commencing at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) today, presents India with an opportunity for redemption. 

Winning at Perth, losing in Adelaide, a weather-assisted draw in Brisbane and a loss in Melbourne, have constituted the report card of Rohit Sharma’s men.

At the SCG, with its history weaved around runs and spin, any Asian team should feel optimistic. India is no different though its performance here over the decades reads as one win, seven draws and five losses.

This is the ground in which Ravi Shastri scored a 206 in 1992, a Test in which Shane Warne made his debut. This is the same turf where Sachin Tendulkar posted a 241 in 2004, a knock in which he cut out the cover-drive, a shot that had become his tragic-flaw. 

India will miss Akash Deep as the speedster is dealing with a back injury. 

If India does manage to defeat Australia and draw level at 2-2, by virtue of being the defending champion, the visitors would retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

It is imperative that the batters collectively fire. K. L. Rahul’s runs, Nitish Kumar’s consistency, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s promise and the lower-order’s firefighting have often rescued India. The others must contribute too and Shubman Gill, benched at Melbourne, could get a look-in.

On the bowling front, Jasprit Bumrah has been exceptional. It remains to be seen if the think-tank would prefer Prasidh Krishna as the third seamer and stick with Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar as the two spinners.

Across the dividing line, Australia made one change with Beau Webster replacing Mitchell Marsh. If this is a full-stop for the latter, it could be a mirror reflection of the fate that affected his father Geoff Marsh. 

The former opener watched his Test career grind to a halt following a lukewarm show against the visiting Indians in the 1991-92 series.

For Pat Cummins, most of his batters have slowly gained form even if they look vulnerable against Bumrah. (Agencies)