Missed Chances by India!

India missed quite a few chances during the 2nd Innings of Austrlian batting. Couple of them are difficult chances but others were missed due to lack of technique or concentration.

1. Gambhir reacted late to at short-leg to give a life to Katich off Harbhajan Singh. Katich was on 5 and the score ws 19 for no loss. Could have been 19 for 1.

2. A run-out chance for sending Ponting to pavilion was closely missed by substitute Badrinath. He tried for direct hit, but the ball went few inches away from the stumps at bowlers end. Ponting was on 14 and the score was 42 for 1 could have been 42 for 2.

3. Watson should have gone in over of Bhajji if Sehwag was placed few steps close the boundary. He was standing half way and the shot ball was pulled just over his head. He was on 8 and the score was 129 for 5 which could have been 129 for 6.

4. Kumble missed to collect the throw cleanly from Zaheer Khan to run out Watson when he took the chance for 2nd run. He was on 29 and the score was 185 for 5. Could have been 186 for 6.

5. Haddin survived the run-out as no one stood near the stumps when they were taking chances on the 2nd run. Watson tapped the ball towards point and took chance with Ganguly on the 2nd run. No one was at the bowler's end to collect the throw--bowler Zaheer or Kumble from short mid on or Ishanth from mid-on. Kumble should have come because he was standing nearer to the runner. Haddin was on 25 and the score was 187 for 5 which could have been 188 for 6.

6. Laxman dropped a sharp chance from Watson. He just played it along the line which was pitched on the leg stump. The ball went between the stretched legs of Laxman at leg gully. Watson was on 13 and the score was 139 for 5 which could have been 139 for 6.

7. Kumble missed a caught and bowled chance for Haddin. Haddin hit the ball hard towards left of Kumble. He reacted late and the ball crossed him over his head. Sharp chance, but could have been taken if he had at least tried. He ducked his head and the ball went past him for four. Haddin was on 7 and the score could have been 147 for 6.

8. First ball on day 5, Haddin gave a return catch to Kumble and he again fumbled and dropped it. It was just below the chest height and he did not take it. In fact his right thumb got injured.

These could have reduced Australia to much less total and put pressure on them, but Indians have missed those chances.