Observations from the 2014 Brisbane Test

Josh Hazlewood celebrates taking his fifth wicket in the first innings

Source: www.sports.ndtv.com

In what would be described as somewhat of a surprise.... well not really, the Australian's have won the Brisbane Test by six wickets with more than a day to spare. This is actually quite remarkable given that India scored 408 in their first innings and had Australia on the ropes at 6-247 and staring a 70-100 run deficit on the first innings. The Australian tail wagged and Australia went on to make 505 to lead by 97 and be in a very good position.

India's task was simple bat out Day 4 to establish a lead of between 300 and 350 runs, then declare and ask the Aussies to either chase the runs or bat out Day 5 for the draw. Instead the Indian top order collapsed in the first session of Day 4 as 1-76 became 5-87 and all was lost. India eventually made 224 which was never enough and Australia was set a target of 128 which was easily achieved even though six wickets were lost in the process. Australia is improving at chasing small targets of late, however there is some room for improvement.

So, what were the takeaways from this test:

• A fine debut - Josh Hazlewood made his test debut by coming into the side for the injured Ryan Harris and bowled admirably taking 5 for 68 in the first innings. This was backed up with 2-74 in India's second innings and a handy 32 with the bat in Australia's first innings. Hazlewood hits the pitch hard and has improved his ecomony rate recently which is what is required from a fast bowler. He is another one of the young generation of Australian quicks that will emerge in the next few years.
• Smith shows leadership qualities - Steve Smith was appointed captain for the remainder of the series after Michael Clarke became unavailable with a hamstring injury. Smith did not miss a beat with his field settings and lead the Australian fightback in the first innings with a much needed 133 runs. Leadership seems to come natural to Smith which bodes well for Australia's cricketing future. If there was one blemish it was his unnecessary run out in the second innings.
• The Australian tail wags... again - In what is becoming a familiar sight for the Australian's, the tail-enders contributed significantly towards the first innings total at a time when a deficit of 70-100 runs was looking very likely. This time the last four wickets contributed 258 runs to the total. In fact ten players out of eleven made double figures with only Brad Haddin missing out.
• An inspired bowling spell - Just when the game was in the balance Mitchell Johnson's first spell on Day 4 yielded 3-10 and wrecked through the Indian top and middle order. Johnson took advantage of a calamitous morning for the visitors where Dhawan was unable to bat due to a slight wrist injury he received in the nets whilst warming up pre-match. India were in disarray and then complained about the facilities... just get on with it folks it's better for the game.
• Indian collapso - The Indians have had a batting collapse in three out of their four innings this summer and continually have this problem when playing away from home. They lost 4 for 11 during the second innings in Brisbane coupled with 5 for 45 and 8 for 73 in Adelaide, which is not a great record. Unfortunately it appears as though the Brisbane collapse may have been of their own making with the problems they had in preparing for the fourth day.

Yours truly may have over estimated India's batting capabilities away from home in predicting a 2-0 series win to the Australians and now India are in real trouble of a 4-0 series whitewash. It is worth noting that Australia have not lost a test match in Brisbane since 1988 (against the West Indies) and have won 19 and drawn 7 in that time.