India V Australia-3rd Day,Session-II

Symond's two wickets at the end has really helped Australia's cause. After Pathan's quick departure after lunch, India were struggling at 160/6.But, a solid parnership between MS Dhoni and VVS Laxman steadied the ship. Dhoni in particular looked impressive with a steady 38.He is fast improving on this tour.Although he fell against the run of play trying to sweep Symonds when the ball took the top edge, hit his shoulder to bounce abnormally high and Gilchrist dived to take a brilliant catch.Kumble departed 4 balls later to give Australia plenty to smile about before the play closed for tea.India is 363 runs ahead with two wickets in hand and until and unless Australians bowl really badly or there is a steely resolve from Laxman and Co., Australia can anticipate a total under 400 and although this kind of total is considered to be mammoth while chasing, it should be taken into consideration that any total within 400, it would be plain foolishness to put Australia out of the game. Under Steve Waugh they succesfully chased 369 against Pakistan for loss of 6 wickets.Moreover, the way in which Australians bat any 2 solid partnerships can really rip the oppostion apart.The way in which the duo of Symonds and Glichrist batted after being reduced to 5 down for 61 goes to show the way they approach the game.Although, their this fearlessness brought about their downfall in the 1st innings.HAving said that, it would be interesting to see how Laxman bats from here on now.It was clearly evident that Ponting had put all its man back and they are quite willing to give Laxman a single.Laxman looked reluctant for a single bt later gave in.Also,Laxman is not a kind of a swashbuckling player who would improvise and play a cameo of sorts.Rather,he is more from the Steve Waugh school of battling with tailenders who believes in giving the confidence and strike to tailender.Whether that would be wise or not, remains to be seen.