VVS Laxman feels India should've declared their innings earlier

The third Test between Australia and India at Melbourne has been the leanest start of the series so far. After a roller-coaster first and second Test where the advantages were exchanged back and forth, India seem to have gained access to the driver’s seat in the ongoing match but VVS Laxman feels that the visitors should’ve declared their batting innings much earlier.

India resumed their innings on day 2, at 215/2. Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli were dismissed after getting to a century and half-century along with building a massive partnership of 170. India batted for a total of 170 overs and declared the innings at 443/7, with six more overs to go in the day.

This is where Laxman felt that the visiting team’s captain must have declared earlier. The former Test cricketer conceded that Australia must have been made to play approximately 15 overs at the back end of play since that is when the batsmen are more jittery.

“In that few overs that India bowled, it looked as if India were going to get a wicket every ball. Not even once I felt that the Australian openers didn’t look comfortable. That is where I felt India should have bowled fifteen overs and made sure they pick two wickets.” Laxman said as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

“Because if you ask an opener, the most toughest period is the end of day’s play. They have fielded for more one and a half days, tired legs, not fully focussed or full concentration, not be hundred percent so that was the perfect time for India to pick up wickets,” the 44-year-old further said

Australia have an uphill task at hand

The hosts have been set with an uphill task going into day three of the match. The cracks on the pitch are opening up, which could favour the bowlers. Australia failed to produce anything special in the first innings and were bowled out for 151 conceding a huge 292-run lead.

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