MITCHELL JOHNSON: India need a lead of at least 200 and if Jasprit Bumrah can’t bowl, it’s advantage Australia

One of the great Test series looks set to reach a sudden end and potentially grandstand finish on Sunday – one way or another. And having been at the centre of the battle between Australia and India all series, who knows whether India talisman Jasprit Bumrah will even be fit to bowl as the visitors attempt to level the series and retain the Border Gavaskar Trophy. The damage Bumrah has done with the ball has been quite obvious this summer, but he has also been a strong leader with good aggressive decision making and he is positive in everything that he does. So if Bumrah isn’t out there that will be a huge psychological boost for Australia and could deflate the rest of India’s attack. With India leading by 145 runs with four wickets in hand entering day three, I think a lead of 200 is the minimum they will need to put Australia under pressure and that is assuming the pitch continues to play the way it has for the first two days. If it flattens out on day three, India might need 250-plus. So India’s last recognised batsmen, the not out pair Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, have a huge job to do and quick wickets on Sunday could set it up for Australia. All-rounder Beau Webster has contributed with bat, ball and in the field to make a notable impact on debut, including a half century and his first Test wicket on Saturday. Webster’s debut in the baggy green was a moment filled with joy and personal significance for him, evident in the big smile he wore. It wasn’t just the cherished cap he received but also the way he approached the game that stood out. His demeanour during media interactions suggested he felt comfortable in his role and then the way he played, treating it as another day at the office rather than a pressure-filled debut. At 31, Webster brings a wealth of experience, combining youthful energy with the wisdom of seasoned play. His confident yet relaxed attitude could be a significant asset for the team, suggesting he’s not just a player but also a potential motivator in the dressing room. Overall, it’s clear that Webster fits well into the team dynamic and could play a vital role moving forward. Meanwhile, cricket karma was on full display in two memorable incidents on day one. The first involved Indian batsman Shubman Gill and Steve Smith just before the tea break, with Gill trying to slow the game down and Smithy saying something to him. Gill then charged Nathan Lyon and got out before the break and the Aussies let him know about it. The second featured Australia’s Usman Khawaja, who was dismissed on the last ball of the day after delaying play to try and face only two more deliveries. This latter moment triggered a verbal exchange between fellow opener Sam Konstas and an animated Jasprit Bumrah, with India having the last laugh just a couple of balls later. When it comes to a showdown between the batsman and bowler, it’s often the bowler who comes out on top. A batsman can fall to one poor shot or be undone by one ball that is perfectly delivered, and with that comes a chorus of celebration from the bowler and teammates. So engaging in banter or a battle with a bowler requires intense focus, as any lapse could lead to a dismissal, and then the player has to deal with the repercussions. Konstas’ inexperience showed when he inserted himself into a situation he probably shouldn’t have. Khawaja, being an experienced player, knows how to manage such moments and the teenager should have left it to him. I appreciate what Konstas was trying to do by supporting his teammate, but it was simply the wrong time for that kind of engagement. At that late stage of the day, there could only be one winner. I wonder if Khawaja had a chat with Konstas or if any of the other senior players offered him some advice after the day’s play on how to navigate such situations. This highlights a crucial aspect of introducing new players to the team: they need the guidance of experienced teammates to understand how to handle various scenarios within the game’s dynamics. The repercussions of the previous day’s events carried over into the morning session of day two, where the Indian team was visibly energised. You could see and hear them bustling around the batters’ crease, making their presence felt to distract the Australian players and reinforce their unity. This tactic is one that we’ve seen Australian teams employ over the years, and it was evident they also utilised it during this series. The Indian side appeared to embrace the mindset that it was “two against 11” out in the middle, aiming to make the Aussie batters feel isolated and under pressure. The focus was on not just testing the technical skills of their opponents but also challenging their mental toughness. In Test cricket, it’s crucial to create that environment, one where the batters are distracted from their primary objective. This psychological edge can often prove to be just as important as any physical skill in the game.