Mark Taylor warns Australian bowlers against over-reliance on short delivery in fourth innings
Former Australian Test captain Mark Taylor believes Australia is in the box seat after a spirited last wicket stand between Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc left India a target of 287 to win the second Test.
Speaking exclusively to Wide World of Sports, Taylor said given the unpredictability of the wicket, the home side should be able to create enough opportunities to threaten India’s batsmen.
“I think the Aussies would be confident although I don't think for a minute they think they've got it wrapped up,” Taylor said.
“I believe they're in front in the game given the way the pitch played today.
Josh Hazlewood got Australia off to the perfect start with a wicket before tea AAP
“There's enough there for Australia to create 10 opportunities between now and 286 runs. If they can bowl well enough and hang onto their chances, they can win the Test match.”
After a solid first session, India’s bowlers, led by Mohammed Shami, enjoyed tremendous success with the second new ball after lunch, which Taylor said would be crucial for both sides.
“Just looking at it, it seems to me that the new ball is going to be crucial on that pitch,” he said.
“Those cracks will open up and then when the ball is really hard and the seam is a bit more pronounced, that's when the uneven bounce is accentuated.
Mohammed Shami destroyed the Australian batting lineup in the post-lunch session AAP
“If Australia can strike with the first new ball and Nathan Lyon can bowl well, I think they can win the Test match and win it reasonably comfortably.
“India have got to get through the new ball, and then they've got to find a way to get on top of Nathan Lyon if they're going to chase these runs down.”
On a wicket which is deteriorating by the minute, Taylor suggested that batsmen need to have a short memory to thrive.
“All you can do is just keep telling yourself to play each ball on its merits,” he said.
Indian captain Virat Kohli will have his work cut out in the second innings if his side is to go up 2-0 AAP
“You know you're going to play and miss, that's a given. It doesn't matter if you're Virat Kohli or Usman Khawaja.
“You've just got to hope that you play and miss, not play and nick, and then concentrate on the next ball, that's all you can do.”
Despite Shami enjoying tremendous success with the short delivery during the post-lunch session, Taylor warned Australia’s bowlers of falling in love with the short-pitched delivery.
“Generally keep it full this first new ball,” he said.
“The short stuff worked, but there was enough play-and-misses to suggest that if you get the ball in the right area, you can get more regulation dismissals.
“If you bowl good lines and lengths, and the odd good short ball, that's essentially the key to bowling on that pitch.”
