Contrary to general belief that had brushed aside Australia's challenge even before they landed in India, Steve Smith's men have fought the hosts tooth and nail, ensuring that the final Test in Dharamsala, starting March 25, will decide the ultimate winner.
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Australia won't be pleased with a draw, feels Gilchrist
Smith reckoned Australia had the momentum after the Ranchi draw © AFP
Ahead of the fourth Test, former Australia wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist has said that Australia won't be happy with a drawn series. "All credit to them, I think the nation should be very proud of their efforts. But knowing Test cricketers, (coach) Darren Lehmann and Steve Smith the way I do, none of those players are going to be satisfied. No-one's going to be sitting back, saying: 'job done'. They'll be so hungry to try to get the job done in this last game. And they're a chance, a definite chance," Gilchrist was quoted as saying by Reuters in an interview in Melbourne.
With the series locked at 1-1, a draw will make sure that the tourists retain the Border-Gavaskar trophy. The last time Australia won a Test series in India in 2004, they were led by Gilchrist in first three Tests in the absence of an injured Ricky Ponting.
However, this time around, India's brilliant run in the season coupled with their home track record had meant that not many had given Australia a chance going into the Test series. And Gilchrist thinks that the Aussies have done far better than many anticipated.
"They have exceeded expectations. They, themselves, might not have thought they would be at this point three games in."In Gilchrist's view, Australia had learnt their lessons from the previous tour when Michael Clarke's team was thrashed 4-0 in 2013. According to him, the pre-tour camp in Dubai also seemed to have helped the team a great deal.
"It's a tough place to play. Indian cricket don't lay on any favours in terms of practice facilities. That's why they went to Dubai and I think that was a great choice. They were really able to replicate the conditions there, to strategise." said one of the most destructive batsmen of his era.
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