AUS vs IND: Prasidh Krishna explains how SCG’s variable bounce will help India-OxBig News Network

India pacer Prasidh Krishna reckons batting won’t be easy for Australia in the fourth innings because of the variable bounce of the Sydney Cricket Ground in the fifth and final Test. India’s overall lead remains well below the 200-run mark, but pacer Prasidh Krishna believes the unpredictable nature of the SCG pitch will keep them in contention.

India were 141 for six, with a lead of 145 runs at the close of play on Day 2. A victory in the Sydney Test would ensure India retains the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. “It is getting difficult in some areas. The ball is keeping low sometimes but there is enough bounce for us to be in the game and look for those edges. Try and beat them on either side of the bat,” Prasidh said during the media interaction.

Prasidh refrained from specifying a defendable target for the visitors. “There is no particular number in mind but then as many runs as we score would be great. We are ready to bowl them out for whatever,” the Karnataka speedster, who got the prized scalp of Steve Smith in the first innings, said.

While he managed to dismiss Steve Smith just before lunch, his first-session spell was marred by inconsistent lengths, as he often bowled either too full or too short.

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“The difference was when I got back from lunch, I actually looked at where I was bowling. I sat with the analyst and we had a better idea of what my reference point is. When I came in to bowl next, that really helped.”

Having arrived in Australia at least three weeks ahead of the senior team, Prasidh gained valuable experience in the India A games, delivering an impressive performance against Australia A at the MCG.

“I did get a bit of confidence bowling in Australia and having played some red ball cricket previously in the Dulip Trophy I was in good rhythm.

“When I got the ball in hand, obviously there was a bit of nerves when I started off, the first over went well, the next few didn’t go really well. But then I have enough people in the team who I can actually go to sit down and discuss what went wrong, what could have been better.”