The first practice session, after a two-day lay off was intense for the Aussies, says a report in The Times Of India, adding that the hiding that the team received in the first two Test matches was rankling skipper Michael Clarke, but a greenish tinge on the pitch definitely pleased the Australian captain.
“The assurance from the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) that the track will retain its traditional flavour, came as a pleasant surprise for the Aussies. Last time when India crossed swords with the Australians, here, Mitchell Johnson, picked up a five-for. Doug Bollinger and Ben Hilfenhaus were also amongst wickets and 25 wickets were picked up by the pacemen,” says the report, adding that from India, Zaheer Khan also bagged a five-wicket haul but it was VVS Laxman's unbeaten 73, which fashioned an Indian victory by just 1 wicket.
The side wickets had grass on it, and the main track had a tinge of green to it. This may just be an eyewash, as when the Indian team arrives, the greenery might be shaved off. However, the Australians will welcome any suggestion of a pace-friendly surface.
"I think it is the one place in India, or one of the few places in India, that is renowned for a bit of pace and bounce," all-rounder Moises Henriques said, adding, "But in comparison to wickets in Australia there still won't be the same amount that you get back home. But it's certainly one place where the quicks could come in and do a little bit more damage on.”
Meanwhile a report in Hindustan Times says that as the series moves to the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali, the most seamer-friendly playing surface in India, the hosts will go in with the confidence that they have the arsenal to test the Aussies. And, unlike the first two games, Bhuvneshwar and Ishant will figure extensively in Dhoni's scheme of things.
“Definitely, the bounce will be better at Mohali and the wicket will be harder than Hyderabad and Chennai,” said former India pacer, national selector and Punjab coach, Bhupinder Singh Sr., adding,
“The ball swings in the morning and evening and Bhuvneshwar should do well here. It's a venue where Ishant also enjoys bowling and has done well.”
The former Punjab pace spearhead was floored by Bhuvneshwar's show with the new ball at Hyderabad. “He's a great find for India.”
The Australia batsmen grow up on a healthy diet of fast bowling and it's surprising to see them struggle against a medium-pacer. “The moving ball is always difficult even if bowled at 125 kmph. If you bowl with a right plan, it will give you results irrespective of the conditions,” observed Bhupinder.
“He has been sure which way he is swinging the ball and the angle he's swinging from. To succeed at the international level, you should be sure about these things and it's been the key to Bhuvneshwar's success.