Press urge Aussies to pick untried spinner

SYDNEY - Ricky Ponting needs to be more aggressive and untried off-spinner Jason Krejza must be given his chance if Australia are to beat India and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, press reports said Monday.

By (AFP)

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Published: Mon 3 Nov 2008, 9:08 AM

Last updated: Sun 5 Apr 2015, 11:04 AM

The third New Delhi Test ended in a tame draw on Sunday with India leading the series 1-0 heading into the fourth and final match, starting in Nagpur on Thursday.

Australia, as holders of the trophy, must beat the Indians in Nagpur if they are to retain the trophy.

"The Australians were again unable to bowl India out to force a result as the match ended in a draw," The Sydney Morning Herald said.

"Still, the Australians will return to the scene of their historic series victory four years ago knowing they can still retain the trophy that appeared to be slipping from their grasp in Mohali a fortnight ago."

India won the second Test in Mohali by 320 runs. The first Test, in Bangalore, was drawn.

But to beat the home side, Australia must take 20 Indian wickets, something they have failed to do in the three Tests so far.

"Leg-spinner Cameron White had match figures of 1-93 off 23 overs and scored a valuable 44 in Delhi, but wickets are what are really needed and he may now make way for Krejza," The Daily Telegraph said.

"Despite his modest first-class record of 43 wickets at 50, Krejza is regarded as a wicket-taking spinner who could do some damage."

Krejza has watched from the sidelines after he was carted for 0-199 off 31 overs in a tour match before the opening Bangalore Test.

Ponting told Australian reporters after the Delhi Test that he would look at Krejza "a bit closer this week."

"He was named in the 12 here. I think a few of you guys (reporters) might have thought that was just for something to do.

"But believe me, he came very close to playing in this Test match here. With a bit more work this week, he will certainly come into consideration," the skipper said.

The Australian newspaper said India have been baiting Australia all series about being negative.

"In the first Test, man-of-the-match Zaheer Khan insisted Australia were defensive and under pressure despite India being forced to bat out a draw," it said.

"They know they can't take 20 wickets, and they are on the back foot," the newspaper quoted Zaheer as saying.

"So far, he has been right," The Australian said.

The Daily Telegraph said Ponting had to go on the attack in the final Test.

"Ponting's captaincy needs to be more aggressive after being too cautious and reactive in Delhi," it said.

"Australia's field placings and bowling rotations were, at times, questionable."


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