Ricky Ponting needs to be more aggressive and untried spin bowler Jason Krejza must be given his chance if Australia are to beat India and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, press reports said yesterday.
The third Test ended in a tame draw on Sunday with India leading the series 1-0 heading into the fourth and final match, starting in Nagpur on Thursday.
Australia, as holders of the trophy, must beat the Indians in Nagpur if they are to retain the trophy.
The Australian newspaper said India have been baiting Australia all series about being negative.
“In the first Test, man-of-the-match Zaheer Khan insisted Australia were defensive and under pressure despite India being forced to bat out a draw,” it said.
“They know they can’t take 20 wickets, and they are on the back foot,” the newspaper quoted Zaheer as saying.
“So far, he has been right,” the Australian said.
ATTACK
The Daily Telegraph said Ponting had to go on the attack in the final Test.
“Ponting’s captaincy needs to be more aggressive after being too cautious and reactive in Delhi,” it said. “Australia’s field placings and bowling rotations were, at times, questionable.”
“The Australians were again unable to bowl India out to force a result as the match ended in a draw,” the Sydney Morning Herald said.
“Still, the Australians will return to the scene of their historic series victory four years ago knowing they can still retain the trophy that appeared to be slipping from their grasp in Mohali a fortnight ago,” the Herald said.
WICKETS NEEDED
“Leg-spinner Cameron White had match figures of 1-93 off 23 overs and scored a valuable 44 in Delhi, but wickets are what are really needed and he may now make way for Krejza,” the Daily Telegraph said.
“Despite his modest first-class record of 43 wickets at 50, Krejza is regarded as a wicket-taking spinner who could do some damage,” the newspaper said.
Krejza has watched from the sidelines after he was carted for 0-199 off 31 overs in a tour match before the opening Bangalore Test.
Ponting told Australian reporters after the Delhi Test that he would look at Krejza “a bit closer this week.”
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