India vs Australia , 1st Test, Day 3
Ind vs Aus, 1st Test, Day 3: A Day of Dominance and Drama
The 1st Test between India and Australia has unfolded into a captivating contest, with Day 3 adding yet another chapter of high drama, skill, and intensity. As both teams jostle for control, the action has provided a thrilling spectacle for cricket fans around the world. Let’s dive into the key moments from Day 3 of this exciting encounter.
Recap of the Match So Far
After two days of intense cricket, the game was delicately poised. India, batting first, had posted a competitive total of 438 runs, powered by a resolute century from captain Rohit Sharma and crucial contributions from Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja. Australia, in reply, faced a stern test on a pitch that began to offer more assistance to the spinners as the game progressed.
At the start of Day 3, Australia was in a difficult position at 156/4, with India’s bowlers in charge. The Indian spin attack, spearheaded by Ravichandran Ashwin and Jadeja, had been particularly effective, exploiting the deteriorating pitch conditions.
Key Moments from Day 3
Australia's Resilience and India's Dominance
The day began with the crucial task of Australia’s middle-order stabilizing their innings. Marnus Labuschagne (42) and Cameron Green (15) were the key men for Australia, while India was looking to break through early to take control of the game. Both teams were aware that the first session of Day 3 could prove pivotal in deciding the course of the match.
A Strong Opening Partnership from Labuschagne and Green The Australian duo made sure to see off the initial spells of Ashwin and Jadeja. However, the Indian spinners continued to apply pressure with their subtle variations and tight line and length. Labuschagne, particularly, showed a solid defense, while Green looked to rotate the strike, but the Indian bowlers ensured no free runs were available.
The Breakthrough - Ashwin Strikes India’s persistence paid off in the afternoon session, as Ravichandran Ashwin claimed the breakthrough, dismissing Marnus Labuschagne. It was a classic Ashwin delivery, a ball that pitched on middle stump and turned just enough to catch the edge of Labuschagne’s bat, sending the ball straight to slip. Labuschagne’s departure left Australia on 173/5, and it seemed as though India was gaining the upper hand.
Australia’s Decline and India's Tightening Grip With Labuschagne gone, India tightened the screws, and the pressure mounted on the remaining Australian batsmen. Cameron Green was dismissed soon after, falling to a sharp ball from Jadeja that turned viciously. At 175/6, Australia found themselves deep in trouble. The tail was yet to come, and India sensed an opportunity to finish off the innings.
Nathan Lyon's Resistance In the face of mounting pressure, Nathan Lyon proved to be a resilient customer. The Australian off-spinner dug in, defending stoutly and even finding the odd boundary. Lyon’s resistance was crucial in preventing India from wrapping up the innings quickly. He managed to hold fort for a while, and his 20 runs were important in pushing Australia's total towards the 200-run mark.
India's Bowling Dominance
Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin were outstanding throughout the day. Jadeja, with his lethal combination of flight and turn, consistently troubled the Australian batters. His ability to bowl in the rough created significant problems for the Aussie middle-order. Ashwin, on the other hand, was his usual self – precise, clever, and able to extract turn even on a pitch that wasn't offering too much.
India’s pacers also contributed when required, with Mohammad Shami and Umesh Yadav providing important breakthroughs and keeping the pressure on the Australians.
Australia's Total at Close of Play
By the end of Day 3, Australia had managed to reach 198/9, with only Nathan Lyon (20) and Mitchell Starc (0) left at the crease. It was a dominant day for India, who, led by their spinners, had effectively destroyed the Australian batting lineup. The day ended with Australia still 240 runs behind India's first innings score, and India was in the driver's seat heading into Day 4.
What to Expect on Day 4
With Australia on the brink of being bowled out, India will be looking to wrap up the remaining two wickets early on Day 4. The Australian tailenders have shown some resistance, but they will need a miracle to avoid a heavy defeat.
India, in contrast, will be eyeing a sizeable lead to give them enough time to dismiss Australia a second time. The pitch is expected to continue offering assistance to the spinners, which will give Ashwin and Jadeja even more confidence as they prepare to bowl in the fourth innings.
If India can quickly end Australia’s innings and put together a solid second innings, they could well be in a position to claim victory within the next day or two.
Leave a Comment