Oct. 4: Ishant Sharma, who had played a major part in bowling Australia out for 192 in the first Test against Australia, said India could still pull it off, if they batted sensibly.
“When four of your good batsmen get out, the mood is a little bit tense,” Ishant admitted after the day’s play on Monday. However, he went on to add, “Everyone is in a good frame of mind and we believe that whoever is at the crease can do a good job for the team.”
India were tottering at 55 for 4 at stumps on Day Four of the contest. If India manage the 161 runs still needed for victory against the Australians, it will be only the third instance of an Indian side successfully chasing a target of over 200 against the mighty Australians.
The previous two occasions were in Mumbai in 1964 and in Adelaide in 2003. Ishant said his recent struggles with the ball and with no-balls (he bowled 15 this Test) were because he was still adjusting to a shortened run-up.
“I struggled in Sri Lanka as well because I have shortened my run-up by two steps,” he said. “It’s just two steps, but it’s taking time to find my old rhythm. I’m missing my steps a little bit,” Ishant said.