Rain was a big issue prolonging Day 3 of the third Test match between India and Australia with more halts than the number of overs bowled. But still the Australian bowlers in spite of the bad weather continued to exact pressure and put India in a vulnerable position at 51 for four. Notably, India’s fragile top order failed for the third consecutive time in a batting-friendly conditions, as openers Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli were dismissed by poor shots.
Jaiswal’s wicket came early when he drove a boundary and then was caught on the very next ball at square leg. Gill, too, appeared to edge a loose delivery from Mitchell Starc while going for a big hit. He was well caught at gully by Mitchell Marsh, who broke the back of his stumps to send him back to the dressing room. Chasing a struggling form, Virat Kohli came close to a golden duck when he went for a big drive but got only an outside of the Josh Hazlewood’s ball.
KL Rahul was the only real show for the Indian top order, who came across as a stable wicket and did not miss out the loose deliveries to score freely. His endurance was unlike any of the others with him on the team. Sharma, his companion in the middle now, would have to play the support role as the pair would have to make up for the lead that Australia has laid down on Day 4. India now stands 394 runs behind with Sehwag and Gautam out in the crease and much of the responsibility on their shoulders.
Before this, they got good partnership with Alex Carey scoring a brilliant 70 crucial runs. The day started with Jasprit Bumrah dismissing Mitchell Starc and later Akash Deep got the last, final Australian wicket to leave the Aussies at a massive total of 445. The rain interruptions stopped the flow; however, Australia has put the Indians on the back foot, and it will be a tough ask for the Indians to come back strongly.
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