‘Shadow’ of Indian wall haunts Aussies in Perth

by Admin
November 23, 2024

Australia would have breathed a huge sigh of relief that India did not select Cheteshwar ‘the wall’ Pujara for this heavy-duty tour starting on a treacherous Perth pitch.

But then there he was, suddenly teleported into Optus Stadium as a hologram on day one of the first Test.

Pujara was part of the Star Sports coverage alongside Matthew Hayden, Wasim Akram and former Channel 9 frontman, Mark Nicholas.

READ MORE: Eight moments that mattered on day one

But keen social media observers noticed there was a phenomenon going on with Pujara where he could stand on the sun-drenched Perth outfield without a shadow.

It appeared the broadcaster have found a way to beam the batting champion in from back home in India to make it look like he is in Perth in person.

Pujara is one batsman who would have relished the challenge that proved too much for virtually ever batsman to take to the middle from both teams on day one.

The tougher the conditions, the more Pujara relished them.

CAREY OR BUST: HOW AUSSIES CAN SALVAGE PERTH TEST

All the pressure has fallen on wicketkeeper Alex Carey to rescue Australia from pending disaster in the first Test in Perth.

A calamitous batting collapse at the hands of Indian maestro Jasprit Bumrah has left Australia’s hopes hanging by a thread, with the home side 7-67 and still 83 runs from reaching parity to India’s first innings 150.

Carey (19 not out) has been arguably the only in-form Australian batsman in the lead-up to this series – at least outside debutant Nathan McSweeney – and on day two he must make that count for something at Optus Stadium.

According to former England Test captain Michael Vaughan, Carey’s ability to wag the tail alongside Mitchell Starc could be all that stands between Australia and a disastrous first-up loss to a depleted India.

“It is all down to Alex Carey,” Fox Cricket expert Vaughan said.

“If Carey can get 40 or 50 and Australia get to 120 or 130 we have a contest.

“It is early in the contest, but the first hour (day two) will be crucial.”

Carey is the top Sheffield Shield run-scorer to start the summer with 452 runs from three matches, including two hundreds and a 90.

Bumrah takes two in two as Test flips on its head

The left-hand wicket-keeper also made 75 in his last-start one-day match for South Australia and also starred in Australia’s most recent ODI series against England in September.

Fellow Fox expert and Australian great Mark Waugh also believes the home side are still in the game even if they give up a deficit.

READ MORE: Aussies under fire for resting top-order stars

“If they can get to 120, they’re still in the game,” Waugh said.

“They’re still in the game now even if they get bowled out for another 20. I think the ball will dominate the rest of the game … runs are going to be at a premium.

“If (Mitchell) Starc and (Alex) Carey can get through the first half hour Australia could have a lead.”

Starc last night warned conditions for batting would not get easier in this Test, adamant the wild West wicket will not settle down.

Bumrah was simply outstanding with his 4-17 destruction job on the Australian top order.

Starc defended Australia’s struggling batsmen, arguing sometimes the bowling is too good.