Dharamsala: It’s been a game changer in many ways. The cricket has been electric and intense over three matches and with the series on the line, focus shifts to the picturesque hills overlooking the Himalayas. Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama’s benign presence notwithstanding, India and Australia will go for the jugular in the fourth Test beginning on Saturday.
Tied 1-1, the Indians need a win to claim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and doubts over skipper Virat Kohli’s dodgy shoulder have thrown a spanner in the works.
Mumbai’s Shreyas Iyer has been called as cover but Ajinkya Rahane will be more happy to keep his state-mate waiting than have Kohli not playing.
In a series which has fanned the flames with the Aussie media spewing vitriol on the Indian captain following the Bengaluru Test, Aussie skipper Steve Smith is gunning for glory. A draw will suffice for the visitors but there is a feeling of deja vu that Dharamsala could whip up a surprise like Nagpur did in 2004, a turf which suited the Australians en route to a series win.
