Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting pointed out that India could potentially play with three bowlers on Day 2 of the Gabba Test after the groin injury to Navdeep Saini and Shardul Thakur pulling up at the fag end of the day. India are playing with a second-string Test XI with all their premier bowlers injured. Despite that, the inexperienced Indian bowling line-up restricted Australia to under 300 on the first day at The Gabba.
Meanwhile, talking to Cricket.com.au, Ricky Ponting assessed the various possibilities of how the two teams will play on the second day of the Test match. He said that Tim Paine and Cameron Green need to score as many runs as possible after adding on 61 together. That partnership helped the Aussies to keep their noses ahead at the end of day 1
“One-one going up to Brisbane, Labuschagne and Wade put on a 113-run partnership but both got out soon after that and Australia needed Paine and Green to do what they’ve done and really steady the ship, then try and push on for a really big first-innings score” said Ponting.
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India Might Play With Three Bowlers On Day 2: Ricky Ponting
He further said that with India possibly bowling with three bowlers on the second day, the partnership becomes absolutely crucial to how many Australia score in the first innings.
“Absolutely crucial (partnership). The fact they got through the new ball tonight was really pleasing for them and it looks like (injured quick Navdeep) Saini is in real doubt, Shardul went off late in the day as well so it could be tomorrow India only have the three bowlers to go to and if they do, the batting conditions tomorrow morning will probably be the best in the game” he further added.
Australia ended day 1 at The Gabba on 274 for 5 after Natarajan picked two quick wickets to keep Australia at bay at the end of the day’s play. This happened after Australia won the toss and elected to bat at their fortress where they are unbeaten in Tests since 1988.
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