Spin will play a major role on fifth day: Burns

Joe Burns, who struck a swashbuckling half-century in Australia’s second innings to help hosts build an overall lead of 348 runs, felt that spin will play a crucial role on the final day as they seek a 3-0 result.

“The wicket spun and it will only get harder to bat on as the game goes on,” he noted here on Friday. “We will come out tomorrow and I am sure we will create 10 opportunities. It is just a matter of taking all ten wickets and with the spin in the wicket that will play a major factor. We all saw some variable bounce and reverse swing, but spin will play a major part,” he stressed.

Talking about his 39-ball-66, Burns said it was hard work but great fun at the same time. “I think all the batters have batted really well throughout the Test match and to get into the position that we did, to set that platform and build from there is crucial.

The wicket did turn a bit and you have to work yourself in there. It was lots of fun, playing with Brad Haddin there was very enjoyable. It’s just nice to contribute to the team and get us in a good position. It’s a massive opportunity to come out and win a Test match for Australia tomorrow. That is a nice position to be in.

“You want to be contributing to the team, and on such a big occasion it means a lot more to go out there and make 50 in both innings. We want to come back tomorrow and win the Test match for Australia. That is what we are after first and foremost,” he explained.

Burns said there was no set plan to their approach to batting in the afternoon. “I don't think we set a target on it.

It was just a matter of making as many runs as possible and with rain around as well, you can't really cut how many runs you want to make, just go out and try and make as many runs as possible -- very simple plans and a good position to be in at the end of day four,” he offered.