Cracks and bounce to please Aussie quicks
Mar 25, 2017 - 6:30 PM Despite Australia failing to post a huge first innings total in the fourth Test in Dharamsala, Matthew Wade has backed the touring pacemen to create havoc for the India batsmen.The hosts will resume at 0-0 on day two, having survived a single over delivered by Josh Hazlewood.
Australia were rolled for 300 on Saturday after throwing away the ascendancy they boasted at 1-144.
Coach Darren Lehmann and captain Steve Smith were among many members of the touring party to highlight the importance of "batting big" in the fourth Test.
Australia posted a total of 451 in the third Test after winning the toss, but were forced to bat time after India responded with a mammoth 9-603(dec).
The tourists escaped with a draw in Ranchi, leaving the series locked at 1-1. They won't be satisfied with such a result in Dharamsala - and it will be much harder to attain given their first innings lasted 88.3 overs.
Wade, who posted his first Test half-century since Australia's 2013 tour of India, has seen enough life in the pitch to suggest run-scoring will be anything but easy for the hosts.
"The cracks are playing a huge role, with the spinners as well as the quicks," the wicketkeeper said.
"We will be looking to get a bit out of the cracks in the wicket.
"It's definitely the best carry we've seen throughout the whole series.
"That was quite enjoyable to have the ball coming in around shoulder height from behind the stumps.
"That was something you get a little bit excited about, hopefully that can continue with the new ball tomorrow and Patty (Cummins) and Josh can pick up a couple of early wickets."
Wade conceded his side squandered a chance to post a more imposing total, but felt they did well to scrap to 300 after slipping to 6-208 when Smith departed for 111.
"He (Lehmann) came and spoke to me (at tea) and it was just about staying positive and trying to grind some runs out," Wade said.
"I thought Patty came out and took it to the Indians a little bit. Their spinners were bowling quite well at that stage and i thought the way he played to get 20 was vital.
"We've spoken about the lower order contributing in this series and I thought he (Cummins) batted really nicely."
Source: AAP
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