The Border-Gavaskar series is now level at 1-1 after a dominant display by the Aussies in Perth. The series now moves to Melbourne on Boxing Day and this is a critical test match for both sides. A 2-1 lead could seal the series before a massive 4th test in Sydney.
In Perth and batting first on an expected tough wicket, Australia started excellently with a 100 run stand the highlight in a first innings total of 326. India started slowly in their chase, losing 2 quick wickets. But Virat Kohli showed his class once again with a brillant 123 in India's total of 283. Usman Khawaja found form in the 2nd dig with 72 and Australia were bowled out for 243, holding a sizeable lead that India couldn't overcome. They were knocked over for just 140 runs with only 2 batsman scoring over 29 runs.
Nathan Lyon continued his dominance over India throughout this series with man of the match honours as he picked up 8 total wickets. On a MCG wicket that has proved to be fairly dead in recent years, he'll be the key in the 3rd test. He was also well supported by his fast bowling unit. Starc looked much better in Perth and is probably hitting peak fitness, which is scary for India.
Despite losing in Perth, India can take some positives out of this clash and I think they will enjoy better results at the MCG. It's a similar wicket to Adelaide where they won the 1st test. Kohli was awesome in the first innings with a classy hundred and Mohammed Shami was unplayable at times in his 6 wicket haul during the 2nd innings. But the positives pretty much end there. India have a real problem at the top of the order with both openers not in great form. Pujara only scored 28 runs in the Perth test after dominanting in Adelaide. Rahane has been a bright spot behind Kohli as their 3rd highest run scorer so far. They do miss Ravi Ashwin in the bowling department and he's in doubt for the 3rd test.
MCG Stats
Australia has won 5 of the last 7 test matches at the MCG (includes 2 draws).
India has not won a test match at the MCG since 1981.
At the MCG, India holds an 0-5 (2 draws) record since 1981.
The last meeting at the MCG in test cricket resulted in a draw (2014).
Top Australia Batsman (1st Innings)
Marcus Harris showed his potential in the 2nd test with a well made 70 in the first innings. Travis Head continued his form with 58 in the middle order and Aaron Finch made 50 in a 112 stand with Harris. Khawaja should benefit from Ashwin missing in this test and he pretty much setup the 2nd innings total of 243 with a well-made 72 off 213 balls. He's been very patient during this test series and I don't see that changing in Melbourne. In his test career, he has a great record at the MCG with 325 runs in 3 matches, which includes 144 against the West Indies. So I like his chances of top scoring in the first innings.
Top India Batsman (1st Innings)
It's safe to stay away from the Indian openers in Rahul and Vijay at the moment as they've both struggled for runs in this series. So it will come down to Pujara, Kohli or Rahane in the middle order to score the majority of runs for India. Pujara was held in-check during the 2nd test after scoring around 190 runs in Adelaide. He's played at the MCG once and has only scored 46 runs in 2 innings. In 2014, both Kohli and Rahane scored massive hundreds at this venue. Kohli finished with 169 and Rahane 147. They also put on a 262 run partnership. So Rahane would offer value in the betting, however with Kohli coming off a hundred, it's hard to bet against him to repeat in Melbourne. He has a good record at this venue in both Test cricket and ODI's. He should also enjoy the always massive Indian support in Melbourne.
Best Bet
Australia come into the 3rd test as favourites after finally ending their Test losing draught since the South African tour. The 2nd test in Perth showed a few weaknesses for India and with a fairly short turnaround, it's hard to see them overcoming this. They really miss Ashwin against Australia's batting lineup that is more comfortable against pace. Jadeja is the backup spinner but he's also in-doubt with a shoulder concern. The other major issue is finding runs outside of Kohli, especially looking at both openers. Australia now has the momentum after bowling out India for 140 in the 2nd innings of the 2nd test and they should continue to expose India in Melbourne. Nathan Lyon will be a handful on this pitch and Starc looks back in form. They're well lead by Tim Paine and they don't lose many test matches at the MCG (won 5 of the last 7 and haven't lost here since 2010).
