The_Guardian_-_2016-12-29

111th over: Australia 454-5 (Smith 96, Wade 9)
There’s a single for each batsman in this Yasir over and as it progresses, the Melbourne sky darkens
more than a little. Hmm, this could be the thunderstorm forecast earlier.
Younus Khan has maintained his sense of humour. Photograph: Michael Dodge/Getty Images
Share
Share this post
Facebook
Google plus
close
3.31am GMT 03:31
110th over: Australia 451-5 (Smith 95, Wade 8)
A lot of bowlers have an unfortunate weakness for bowling ‘boundary balls’ with the final delivery of
the over. Sohail, on the other hand, continues to bowl them first up and this over is no different. Smith
is the beneficiary here, and he’s in to the nervous 90s now and cuts a single to finish the over and
maintain the strike.
Reader Tilo Forbes arrives now. “I’m wondering why this game is strongly marching to an obvious
draw, despite the hopes of Channel Nine. It wasn’t really the weather or the over rate, even though
they clearly didn’t help. On your excellent match report, the majority lamented the age old “it’s the
drop-in wickets”, which is as helpful as “bigger bats” or “T20 destroying Test cricket”.”
“The MCG drop-in has created a result in all three shield games this year (all Vic Victories, so Vics
do it better yada yada). So the curator certainly can make wickets that help bring balance between bat
and ball. Is there a clear direction by cricket Australia (and channel 9??) to get the full 5 days? The
shorter pink ball tests show that people don’t mind less days (ratings and spectators in ground), while
I would say this is doing a but of damage to the game? Or will I look like a complete and utter fool
once Pakistan collapse to a defeat in two sessions tonight and tomorrow chasing 150?”
“Also, who gets in for Maddinson? Lynn due to his amazing T20 skills? Maxi to stop the stars from
winning the big bash? So many questions.”