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Journalism of Courage
Australian coach John Buchanan confessed his side lost “a bit of patience” today against the grinding batting of Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman on the third day of the second Test at the Adelaide Oval here.
“I think what they showed — and showed in that Kolkata Test — is the ability to bat time. In case of batting time, it is the case of who loses the patience first. We probably lost a bit of patience in the second session,” said Buchanan as India powered to 477-7 at close of play in reply to Australia’s 556 in the first innings.
“I thought their batting was exceptional. They both batted without risk. We did exactly what we wanted to do. And so great credit to them for pulling that partnership together.
The run-outattempt we missed yesterday,” the Aussie coach said.
Buchanan said his side would still like to chase a win in this game but for that to happen, Australia needed to ensure they finished with a lead of around 50-60 runs.
“It depends on how much lead we are able to take and then how we score runs. If we take a lead of 50-60 runs, make 250 in our second innings, 300 could still be a very difficult total to get on the last day.”
Buchanan agreed the wicket had not deteriorated much after three day’s play but said with the prediction of hot weather over the next two days, it could start cracking and helping the bowlers more.
“The game is in interesting stage. The wicket is still playing pretty well and we have couple of pretty hot days coming up. So you expect the wicket to play some odd trick over the next couple of days.
“There are still 180 overs plus left in this game. So it sets up an interesting Test.”
Buchanan said Brad Williams’ injury-induced absence affected them in the field today. “We were a bit depleted today so that was a bit unfortunate. We would try to dismiss the last three batsmen as quickly as possible and set a target we feel would be sufficient to bowl India out on the last day.” (PTI)
