Australian batting legend Ricky Ponting put India “55-45” ahead after two days of play in the third Test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). He felt that the match hangs in balance and everything hinges on how the home batsmen perform in the third innings.
Australia made 338 in their first innings thanks to Steve Smith’s 131 and Marnus Labuschagne’s 91, while Ravindra Jadeja picked 4/62, and Bumrah and Saini returned two wickets each as well.
India ended day two on 96/2 with Shubman Gill making 50 and Rahane and Pujara remaining unbeaten.
"Everything is really going to hinge on how Australia bats in their second innings of this game. Even if they are behind on the first innings, if they're to bat really well and give India some sort of tricky little chase, this wicket, to me, looks like it's going to have plenty to offer the bowlers late in the game,” Ponting told cricket.com.au.
"Tomorrow will tell a really big story in the game. If Australia is able to bowl really well, then they'll be in front. If India has a good day with the bat tomorrow, then it's going to be a hard game for Australia to win,” he added.
"If India can take a little lead in to the second innings then they'll be in front but if Australia can knock them over for under 350 or somewhere around Australia's score, I think Australia is going to be in the box seat," he said.
"If you look at the wicket it's just started to play a few more tricks, a little bit up and down bounce-wise. That's why I think it's really important Australia knock them over not too many in arrears,” the legend said.
Ponting also said that Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon will be the key bowlers for Australia and their performances tomorrow will set the game up for India.
(cricket.com.au inputs)
