SK Flashback: Sachin Tendulkar's 155* against Australia in Chennai

Ian Healy’s 90 and India’s spin strategy

Kumble got India back in the game

Australia had restricted India to 257 primarily due to the efforts of their spinners who picked four wickets apiece. Going into the match with three spinners in the bowling line-up, the Indians were expected to cause some trouble to the visitors.

Australia started laboriously, going at only one or two runs per over. Assisted by the purchase and spin off the track, all of a sudden, the Aussies were reduced to 201-8 with the Indian spinners thriving on the conditions at hand. Kumble already had four wickets to his credit, while Raju had two. Rajesh Chauhan was a touch expensive but did his bit to make sure the pressure was always on the Australians.

When it seemed as if India would run away with a lead, Ian Healy forged an important partnership with debutant Gavin Roberston to give Australia a healthy lead. While the pitch was still spewing poison, Healy cleverly nudged his way to an important 90 while Robertson essayed his strokes to perfection, contributing a vital 57 to take Australia to 328.

Australia had a decent lead of 71 runs and with the threat of Warne and Roberston looming large, India needed an important contribution from their batsmen to lay out a strong challenge for the visitors in their final innings.