Ravi Shastri details why Australia didn't declare despite healthy lead

At 173/9, Australia had a lead, but the question was whether it was sizeable enough for them to put India under immense pressure in the fourth Test in Melbourne. But over the next hour, the 55-run tenth-wicket partnership between Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland not just frustrated the Indian bowlers but also gave Australia a handy lead. 

Despite a 333-run lead, Australia did not declare the innings, which confused the general public. So, were Australia right in not declaring? India’s former head coach, Ravi Shastri, reasoned that the last wicket partnership could have worried Australia about the bowling conditions. 

"Probably that’s the reason why Australia didn’t declare (the pitch playing fine - Lyon and Boland partnership). They are a little worried about the Indian batting line-up, especially after what happened at the Gabba, they chased 329,” Shastri told Star Sports. 

“They know there are players in the side who are very good with attacking game - there is Jaiswal, there is Rohit. If he gets going, there’s Kohli, there’s batting depth down," he added. 

Shastri also revealed that a ‘draw’ comes strongly into the equation but warned India against complacency. 

"Australia are trying to play safe. It reminds me of the Test match in 2015. When I was in the dressing room, similar situation, Australia batted for a few overs on Day 5 morning, then asked India to bat 5-5:30 hours to bat and India saved the game. A draw definitely comes into the equation, but India have to show a lot of character,” he added.

However, the former Indian head coach reckoned that not too many balls were kept low, giving India a better chance of holding the fort. 

“It will be a test of character on the big day. It will be a test of their technique and temperament on the final day. I just get the feeling seeing the way India bowled today, the ball did quite a bit for 60-70 overs -- the ball was seaming and there was some swing there. Luckily, from India’s point of view, the ball hasn’t kept low, but the ball has taken off from good lengths, like we saw with Mitch Marsh." Shastri said.