Batting great Sunil Gavaskar believes India can save the Brisbane Test if Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill can give the visitors a good start and the team shows determination on Day 5 at the Gabba.
Notably, India need to chase 324 runs for a fairytale victory in the final Test against Australia after rain brought an end to play after tea on day four in Brisbane on Monday.
Sunil Gavaskar also pointed out that Australia getting bowled out was a blessing in disguise for the hosts as Tim Paine’s side did not have to think about the declaration. Mohammed Siraj snared five wickets as Australia was dismissed for 294 late on day four, setting India a target of 328 to win the series-deciding Test at the Gabba.
“I would have thought because of what had happened in Sydney, the way Rishabh Pant and Cheteshwar Pujara stitched that partnership together and gave India a sniff. Then, of course, the unfortunate injury to Hanuma Vihari meant India had to abandon plans of going for a win,” Sunil Gavaskar told Sony Six.
“So that might have played in Australia’s mind. While I was doing commentary, I was saying it would have been a blessing in disguise if Australia get bowled out so that they don’t have to think about the declaration.
“Yes, we have seen the highest chase over here has been 236 and that was in 1951. India have a hard task ahead of them. If they show determination, then they can save the game. If you had seen, there were odd deliveries that were keeping low. There are a couple of cracks at the center of the pitch, not on a good length area,” Gavaskar added.
While the series is level at 1-1, India needs only a draw to ensure it retains the Border-Gavaskar trophy.
