Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra expects India to come up with a better show in the fourth Test against Australia at Melbourne after the third game at the Gabba, Brisbane ended in a draw after persistent rain on all five days.
The renowned commentator also feels the visitors will move to the MCG with confidence after managing a draw in the third Test. India was on the backfoot after they were reeling at 74-5 in the first innings, following Australia’s strong first innings of 445.
Thus, the tourists were delighted to get away with a draw and will look to be at their best in Melbourne. Interestingly, India has won the last two Test matches at the MCG on the 2018-19 and 2020-21 tour to Australia.
“What should be expected from Melbourne? We have played well in Melbourne. Interestingly enough, we have not done as well in Sydney as we should have as those conditions suit us a lot. The historical numbers say that. I expect the Indian team to do better in Melbourne,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
“I genuinely feel we will go with a little confidence. Under normal circumstances, if you see a game where you were far behind, where you had to work hard to save the follow-on, it can absolutely smash your spirits, that you were destroyed,” he observed.
Chopra reckons the team’s unity will help India in bouncing back strongly in the fourth Test.
“After that, you just go downhill, you go from bad to worse, but here I am getting a feeling from within that it won’t happen like that because of the way they have fought. Sometimes the unity in the team triggers something. It’s a spark that has the ability to become a fire,” Chopra added.
The renowned commentator added there were positives for India as KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah helped the visitors in avoiding the follow-on.
“The way Rahul batted, the way Jaddu batted, the way Bumrah and Akash Deep batted, the way Bumrah bowled in both innings, and Akash Deep and Siraj bowled in the second innings, once you reduce the opposition team to 33/5, agree they were far ahead in the game and could declare because of that, I feel they will go with a renewed vigor to Melbourne,” he said.
Chopra reckons there won’t be any changes to India’s playing XI unless Siraj is ruled out with a side strain.
“If you are thinking that there would be some changes, I don’t think there will be any unless Siraj’s side-strain issue is persistent. I feel almost cut, copy, paste, the same team, but renewed vigor going to a ground where you have done well previously,” Chopra observed.
The fourth Test match between India and Australia will be played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground from 26th December.
