Harris satisfied with bowling performance
Australia fast bowler Ryan Harris was satisfied with the way they bowled at India on the third day of the third Test at the MCG, despite the tourists scoring 354 runs in the day to reach 462 for eight at stumps.
Australia were staring down the barrel while Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane were going on their merry way in a partnership worth 262 for the fourth wicket. However, Australia fought back with five wickets in the final session to leave the game relatively even with two days remaining.
Harris, who was the pick of the bowlers with four wickets, said: "The wicket is pretty flat, and it gets tougher for bowlers as the ball gets older.
"The Indians' intent was really good, today. They batted well, and the credit goes to them. Anyone who says Tests are boring should watch this series."
The 35-year-old paceman also spoke the about his side's disappointing fielding on the third day. Australia dropped at least four catches as India scored quickly in the session between lunch and tea.
He said: "We wanted to stick to our plans and build the pressure. All in all, Steven Smith is happy with our bowling, but he is very disappointed with our fielding.
"It could have made it a totally different day if we had done better on the field. We should have taken our chances. It was very disappointing the way we fielded. As a group, we can't keep giving Rahane and Kohli those chances."
Harris still feels that the Aussies are in a decent position in the game to force a result, brushing off claims that they would settle for a draw to clinch the series with one match remaining.
He said: "We managed to get into the lower-order. They batted pretty well, but the fact that we got late wickets helped. The quicker we get them in the morning, the better. We have to get the wickets as soon as possible in the morning.
"We are always trying to get a win, that's what we will try tomorrow. Historically, chasing here is not easy. We have to bat well, then we'll see where we will go with the target."
Latest
-
NewsAndrew Gale will not engage with ECB disciplinary process over racism claims
Gale was sacked by Yorkshire last year but earlier this month won an unfair dismissal claim against the club.
-
NewsMichael Vaughan ‘steps back’ from BBC work after staff raise concerns
The former England captain had recently returned to Test Match Special coverage.
-
NewsSimon Harmer bowls Essex to thrilling win while Surrey dominate Kent
Spinner Harmer took 15 wickets in the match as his side held off Hampshire by 12 runs.
-
NewsSciver stars and Davidson-Richards makes history – day two in the women’s Test
The England pair’s maiden Test centuries took their side past South Africa’s total at Taunton.
-
NewsAlice Davidson-Richards savours debut century as England take upper hand
The all-rounder joined only WG Grace with a hundred and a wicket on Test debut for England.
-
NewsSciver and Davidson-Richards hit maiden Test centuries to put England on top
The home side had struggled to 121 for five before the pair began their rescue act.
-
NewsEoin Morgan – On leadership, that Lord’s final and letting go
Morgan has announced his international retirement.
-
NewsEoin Morgan steps away rather than feel ‘like an imposter’ for England
The World Cup-winning captain has struggled for form and fitness in recent months.
-
NewsEoin Morgan leaves lasting legacy after transforming England’s white-ball sides
The 35-year-old has called time on his international career on Tuesday.
-
NewsSixes, centuries and celebrations – Eoin Morgan’s England career in pictures
Morgan transformed England’s one-day side from also-rans to world champions.