Predicting the final day of play in the Sydney Test match

The fourth Test match of the series between India and Australia has been brought alive by attacking play by both sides on the fourth day. The Aussies scored 251 for 6 in only 40 overs, giving their bowlers a good platform to attack on the final day.

Whirlwind Batting by the Aussies on the fourth day

They now lead by 348 runs with 4 second innings’ wickets intact. It was entertaining cricket at its best and Indian bowlers were meted out a good hiding. It is a good enough lead already as no side has scored more than 350 in the fourth innings to win a Test match in Sydney.

Early declaration on Day 5

Expect Australia to bat for a maximum of another 30 minutes and declare with a target of around 370-380 for India to chase. The Aussies would want India to go for the target as that would maximise their chances of getting wickets. The Sydney track is still pretty good for batting, and India under the aggressive Virat Kohli may look to go for the target to get a Test win in Australia after a long time.

Virat Kohli would shine again

The Indian chase would depend to a big degree upon Virat Kohli as he is one batsman capable of tearing apart any bowling attack on his day. And he seems to relish the pressure of a big stage. Expect a good show from him again on the final day.

Lyon will get a good old thrashing

One of the biggest failures of Indian batsmen has been how they have tackled Nathan Lyon in this series. They have failed to attack him enough and have allowed him to settle down way too often. Expect that to change tomorrow as the young guns would go after him and take him to corners of the ground.

Prediction

India would give Australia a run for their money on this flat Sydney track and the last day will have its share of excitements and hopes for both the sides. At the moment it is 60-40 in favour of Australia. However if Virat Kohli produces one of his best Test knocks of his young career, India might surprise Australia to win this one. Whatever happens, it is must watch Test match cricket on the final day.


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