Australia v New Zealand, 3rd Test, Day 2 - The Test match is turning out to be an exciting one

Australia were left reeling at 118 for 8 in reply to New Zealand’s 202 and in such a situation, Nathan Lyon attempted a sweep off Mitchell Santner and the ball top-edged into his shoulder and up to slip. The Kiwis appealed for a catch, but the on field umpire S Ravi didn’t raise his index finger and thus, Brendon McCullum went for a review. The video evidences show that Lyon was out, but sadly, it didn’t convince third umpire Nigel Llong and the on field umpire’s decision was upheld.

That decision proved to be a blessing for the Aussies as Peter Neville and Lyon went on to add 74 runs for the ninth wicket which helped them to get out of the rut. Australia managed to take a lead of 34 runs. New Zealand’s reply in the second innings was not satisfactory. The pink ball swung a lot under the lights and thus, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh utilized the conditions well and never let anyone feel the absence of Mitchell Starc who won’t be able to bowl in this Test match due to injury.

I guess, there is a bit of grass on the  Adelaide track to maintain the longevity of the pink ball. This ploy is doing fine in Australia and might prove well in England and South Africa as well. Is keeping some grass is needed for the functioning of the pink ball?  If so, then what about the subcontinent? The pink ball fetched plenty of runs in a warm up game few months back in Australia and its longevity was questioned by many. In the subcontinent, the dew factor in winter and the lack of ability of the tracks to maintain the liveliness of the track in the summer seasons might interfere with the use of the pink ball. No?

But at the moment, my focus is on the outcome of the Third Test match in Adelaide. It has become a fascinating contest and I won’t sit back and start bashing the track or the ball or the twilight effect for the Test match to get finished with three or three-and-half days. Both the teams have shown the intent to win. One team didn’t just went out there to fight while the other didn’t go out there to win. The positive intent exists on both the camps and this has always been one of the most important ingredients in making the contests simmering.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar