"Australia's plan has collapsed" - Aakash Chopra on India going to Melbourne with BGT 2024-25 at 1-1
Aakash Chopra believes Team India will head into the remaining two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 with positives and confidence. He pointed out that Australia's plan to go into the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne with an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series has been derailed.
The third Test between India and Australia ended in a draw in Brisbane on Wednesday, December 18. The series is tied at 1-1, with India having won the first Test in Perth by 295 runs and Australia registering a 10-wicket win in the second game in Adelaide.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel 'Aakash Chopra', the former India opener opined that the visitors would be the happier lot heading into the last two Tests.
"The thing I liked was that you (India) were behind in the match, you were almost made to follow-on but the truth is that you are going with positives and confidence from here because the team suddenly gets united. Many people are making a mockery of the team's celebration. The celebration happens because the team fought together," he said (2:40).
"The follow-on was a small victory, and sometimes, it changes everything. Australia's plan has collapsed, that they would defeat us in Perth, with the pink ball, and in Gabba, and go to Melbourne and Sydney 3-0, to the grounds India like. Now that is not going to happen as India are going there at 1-1," Chopra added.
Australia suffered their first-ever Test defeat at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Although they maintained their perfect record in pink-ball Tests in Adelaide, they couldn't register a win in Brisbane, a ground where they have enjoyed great success in the past.
"Why did you declare, Australians?" - Aakash Chopra on Jasprit Bumrah missing 10-wicket haul in Brisbane Test
![Jasprit Bumrah picked up nine wickets in the Brisbane Test. [P/C: Getty]](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/afd69-17345239556227-1920.jpg?w=500)
In the same video, Aakash Chopra noted that India also excelled with the ball in Australia's second innings, with the hosts' declaration denying Jasprit Bumrah a maiden 10-wicket haul.
"In the second innings, they (India) also bowled so well that they brought the Australian batting's weaknesses to the fore. Jasprit Bumrah - why did you declare, Australians? He would have got a 10-wicket haul, the first of his career. (Usman) Khawaja is saying he eats him every day," he said.
The cricketer-turned-commentator added that Mohammed Siraj, who was carrying a niggle, and Akash Deep were also among the wickets in the second innings.
"Mohammed Siraj did pick up two wickets but it seemed like the side-strain issue was troubling him slightly. He has put his body on the line and been very, very good. Akash Deep - you get the fruits of your hard work for sure. In the last innings, it seemed like he would pick up a wicket in every over. He didn't get wickets there but he got them here," Chopra observed.
Bumrah, who registered figures of 6/76 in Australia's first innings, bowled a spell of 3/18 in the second essay. Siraj (2/36) and Deep (2/28) picked up two wickets apiece before Pat Cummins declared at 89 for seven.