An EMAIL Letter from Errol Fernando in Melbourne to his alter ego …. one Fitzroy, 25 November 2024
Dear Fitzroy, I see that Captain Bumrah won Man of the Match for taking 8 wickets. I would have given him MOM simply for batting first and not inserting. It was a spicy wicket indeed and very tempting to bowl first especially if you are the opening bowler. However, he resisted the temptation and bravely decided to bat first. At 73 for 6 it looked like a stupid decision. However, in the end it brought him victory. If he had inserted, I have no doubt that Australia would have won.
It will also be important to bat first in Adelaide with the pink ball. A totally different game from Perth and the Aussies are experts. Starc will be itching to get his hands on the pink ball. Also Hazlewood. However, let’s see who bats first!
I am not expecting much from Captain Rohit Sharma. If he makes 10 runs, I will be surprised. Also, India will miss Bumrah’s leadership. They may as well send Ashwin home because there is no place for him in this side. He will be a spectator for the series although I would find a place for him. What about Jadeja?
The Aussies do not need to make any changes for Adelaide. McSweeney was desperately unlucky and must be given another chance. Eccentric Manus is due for a score. Stick with Smith and Khawaja for the present. There’s life and experience in those old dogs yet!
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Looking forward to Adelaide! ……… Cheers,
SOME ASIDES From A Distance in Adelaide
Do tell us Errol, dear Errol, .dear Errol … HOW IS IT that this Indian side lost three Test Matches …. at home …. to those blokes living in the islands west of Australia. THREE Losses ….. BIM BAM BOM! Even without a Jonah Lomu in their fifteen!
Are you implying that it was due to Rohit being the captain then… ?