Yuvraj later explained his team’s plan of gathering runs. “Since the pacers bowled tight, we knew that we had to score against the spinners. We didn’t want to miss that chance in the morning,” he said.

This wasn’t a one-off instance but trend all through the game. Like Yuvraj and Jaffer here, the first innings top scorers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli too were benefited by the inconsistent Aussie bowling attack.

But if one takes the Aussies spinners out of the equation, the pacers’ performance was satisfactory if not exceptional. Brett Lee didn’t prove to be the strike bowler but considering the workload ahead, he seemed to be saving his best for the Test series. Stuart Clark’s was his usual consistent self and was the most successful and economical bowler here. Mitchell Johnson bowled 24 overs in the first innings to get himself ready to play the role of a workhorse third pacer but his 4 wickets showed he too was in good rhythm. Peter Siddle was good in parts but not consistent with his line and length.

Aussie captain Ricky Ponting said after the game that in India, pacers needed to bowl exceptional so that the spinners could get some leeway. But considering Krejza’s show here, will the Aussie drop the idea of playing a spinner at Bangalore? “It is very likely that either Krejza or leggie Cameron White will be in the playing XI. Though the final call will be made by looking at the wicket,” he said.

... contd.