•Darsee watching on Kayo as the partnership that mattered grew.
The Boxing Day Test: twists and turns
I wasn’t alone in being astonished by the batting of Sam Konstas on Boxing Day. The fact we’d almost forgotten about it by day five showed how great this Test match was. Embarrassing behaviour from Kohli had us wondering.
Day one
The Konstas innings allowed others to just get on with the job and there were 50s all round – kinda old fashioned.
Day two
Smith got another century and then BOOMRAH – a turning point – Head and Marsh gone and the big total in danger. And then – a turning point – Cummins, Starc, Lyon and Boland conjure various examples of useful, annoying, resourceful late order batting and the big total happens. India in trouble at the end of the day after a turning point – Jaiswal run out. I reckon if Kohli had gone with the call there was one in it – he’s quick.
Day three
The ever improving Reddy and the chancy Pant get things back on track. And then – a turning point – Pant tries one of his on-the-bum shots.
Reddy goes on and Washington Sander reminds us of Brisbane 2021 as a turning point partnership develops.
Day four
Australia’s lead is 105. Solid batting required but Bumrah and Siraj have other ideas. Konstas again goes to an undisciplined forward defensive shot, there’s another Head-Marsh collapse and this time Carey joins in. Things are looking dicey for the home team. And then – a turning point – another Marnus contribution, another captain’s knock and a last wicket stand between Lyon and Boland that “must’ve been some kind of record”. Australia doesn’t declare.
Day five
Australia bats on. Bumrah puts an end to it and secures another five-for.
Brilliant bowling by Cummins, Starc and Boland and the visitors just can’t get going. And just before lunch – a turning point – Kohli nibbles at Starc.
Jaiswal and Pant bat through the second session and a draw looks likely.
Things continue after tea and then – a short one from Head, a slog – Pant down, a collapse and a big victory. Twists and turns but this was the one that really mattered: A TURNING PANT.
Notes
• Mitch Marsh doesn’t do social media anymore. If he did he’d be impressed by the change in national attitude. A series like this four years ago would’ve had the keyboardists calling for capital punishment.
• There was some suggestion after the first Test that the Aussies weren’t tough or nasty or intimidating enough. India resorted to some isolated nastiness and Australia controlled the second, third and fourth Tests. Stay nice boys.
• A note to batters, I know you’re disappointed when you get out but please acknowledge the applause of the crowd after a good score or useful innings.
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