The excellent India vs Australia Test series draws to an end this week when the two sides meet for the fourth and final time on Saturday in the picturesque setting of Dharamsala and what a series we are expected to have with everything on the line in this last game.
After Australia withstood a final day onslaught in Ranchi the two sides head for the mountains with the series locked at 1-1 setting up a winner takes all decider over the next five days.
India
In a series which has swayed one way and then another throughout its entirety plenty of credit must go to India for turning a losing situation into a potential winning one in Ranchi only to be denied by a top class Australian rear-guard on the final day. After winning the second Test you could argue India carry some momentum into this match but that has meant little thus far in the series.
There is no doubt that despite turning the previous match around India will be concerned about their batting in this series. Their captain hasn’t really scored any runs and they have relied on their batting depth more often than they will have wanted. They have had no such problems with the ball however.
Australia
When Australia landed in India they had been written off before a ball was bowled and expected to be thrashed but they soon changed all those ideas and rammed them back down the throats of their critics. They dominated the first Test and were in position to win the third one too but for a brilliant turnaround from India.
Despite that turnaround I’m sure had you offered Steve Smith and the Australian side the position of 1-1 heading into the third match they would have taken it. Much was made about whether they could repel the Indian bowlers but they have shown on more than one occasion that they can and they’ll fancy the job now.
Team News
India face a potential massive injury blow with their captain Virat Kohli doubtful for this match with a shoulder injury. I still expect him to play but Ajinkya Rahane will lead the side if he doesn’t.
Australia are expected to be unchanged after scans on Pat Cummins’ back came back all clear. Mitchell Starc has gone home so he isn’t available. Glenn Maxwell is expected to stay in the side.
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium
The Dharamsala venue will be staging Test cricket for the first time but we know from matches here in the IPL and in limited forms of international cricket that the ball does a bit here and zips through the air.
There is talk of it helping the spinners but the sheer altitude will ensure there is good pace and bounce so this might be the fairest cricket wicket of the series so far which should be a perfect platform to conclude the series on.
Betting
When this series began I thought India would have it wrapped up by now but I did think there would be a chance of an Australian consolation here because they should get plenty of bounce from the wicket which will always suit them over the Indians.
Since then what we have seen from Australia has only given me further encouragement that they can see off India and if there is no Virat Kohli for this match then that confidence will be heightened even more. Cheteshwar Pujara has been the thorn in Australia’s side in this series but these conditions may not suit him so I’m going with the tourists here.
Tips
Back Australia to win 4th Test for a 3/10 stake at 3.50 with Betfred
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