That Australia are still well-placed for a triple-figure lead, and victory very attainable, is testament to the perseverance of their attack and the carelessness of India’s batters. Of the visitors’ top six, only K.L. Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja were out to good bowling. Australia cannot account for such gifts in the final innings.
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The toll exacted went beyond the scoreboard. The Australians are three overs behind the over rate, leaving them vulnerable to a world Test championship points deduction if they cannot make it up.
In the field for 116 overs on an increasingly comfortable batting surface, the hosts face another considerable workload on days four and five to take the 11 remaining wickets needed to go 2-1 up in the series.
The short break leading into the fifth Test raises the stakes. What physical and emotional shape will Australia’s attack be in come Friday if they have worked themselves into the ground with no victory to show for it, needing to win in Sydney, which has a history of rain-marred games?
Starc, in his fourth Test of the series, is showing signs of wear. The match-winning quick was in clear discomfort, pinching at the left side of his back. The issue required attention between overs from team physio Nick Jones, who put Starc through a few stretches.
“He’s just had a bit of a niggle somewhere in his back or rib … but he came out after the break and was bowling 140 (km/h) so I think he’s gonna be fine,” paceman Scott Boland said.
Pat Cummins and his men hardly had it all their own way with the ball on Saturday.Credit: Getty Images
“I think he’s underrated for how tough he is. He’s someone who can play through a lot of pain. He’s someone who can still bowl the same pace, even when he is really sore, which is great trait to have.”
Starc soldiered through but, as tough as he is, he has a history of fading in the fourth and fifth Tests of series. His record of 24 wickets at 44 at the SCG, his home track, is his worst at any Australian Test venue.
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Already missing Josh Hazlewood, Australia would be digging deep into their pace stocks if a replacement is needed for Starc.
Cummins’ pace has dropped, though he found an extra yard amid the drama late in the day when Reddy chased his ton.
Waiting in the wings are the uncapped Sean Abbott, and speedster Jhye Richardson – who has been racked by a series of injuries since his last appearance in the baggy green against England three years ago.
Australia’s defeat in Perth was partly due to their attack being slightly underdone, so they could still be firing on all cylinders by the end of the series. Questions will be asked if they cannot run strongly through the finish line.
