As both India-Australia get ready to lock horns at the picturesque venue in Dharamsala which is also hosting its maiden Test, the former Australian veteran Ian Chappell has compared ongoing four-match Test series with Ashes 2005 series by asserting that it has provided the results while maintaining the quality of the standard of the game.
The former batsman Chappell further expressed Australia is a settled unit than India before predicting it’s going to be the 50-50 contest in Dharamsala.
“I think it [Border-Gavsakar] has been a terrific series. Probably, one of the best I have seen since 2005 Ashes series which was a cracking series. Not only the fact that the results were pretty close. The standard of the game was quite high,” Chappell told ESPNcricinfo in a ‘Straight Talk’ video capsule.
However, both the squads had played their heart out by participating in a full-blown net practice session before the start of the series decider on Saturday (March 25).
“It has been exciting series so far and I hope fourth Test lives up to that standard,” Chappell said.
The 73-year-old Chappell expressed he will be amazed if Indian skipper Virat Kohli won’t take the field in the much-anticipated Test as he feels the latter is an important asset for his side.
“I will be very surprised if Virat Kohli doesn’t play. I think he is that important to India even though he hasn’t made a lot of runs, Chappell expressed.
Going through poor form, Kohli has a low string of scores on his back so far during the ongoing series. The right-handed batsman scored 46 runs in his five innings.
“Kohli’s presence as a captain is very important. I thought Indians were bit flat when he was off the field during the third Test,” Chappell said on Kohli.
The 28-year-old batsman Kohli fell awkwardly on his right shoulder during the post-lunch session in the third Test at Ranchi on Day One.
“I must say I was a bit surprised when Kohli spend his much time off the field as he did in Ranchi,” Chappell further added.
However, the rumours about Kohli won’t play the third Test were quashed when BCCI in its statement ruled out any serious injury to the all-format skipper.
Kohli who seemed struggling during the net session is uncertain about his availability for the series decider.
On Friday, Kohli in a pre-match press conference stated he would take a call either in the evening or before the start of the play.
“I’ll be staggered. One of your jobs as a captain is to be there as often as you can. Generally, I would say you got have a broken leg to not actually be up there,” Chappell added.
On the other hand, the Adelaide-born Chappell has given a hint and a piece of advice to Kohli to take the field in a much important game.
“I would say you don’t have to be a hundred per cent fit to play as a captain particularly when you are so important to your team as Virat Kohli,” Chappell stated.
When asked which team will deliver in the decider, Chappell stated holding the nerve will play an important role.
“The team which will hold its nerve is going to be important,” Chappell remarked.
Chappell expressed Pat Cummins had been a good prospect as he has just two-match Test career so far on his back. In Ranchi, the 23-year-old Sydney-born fast bowler picked four wickets.
I think they [Australia] will know from a medical point of view how big the gamble is. And I think if they go in with the four bowlers then you can be probably pretty assured about Pat Cummins’ situation,” Chappell concluded.