It’s been a fascinating third test down under between Australia and India; the off-field drama notwithstanding. After winning the first test and then losing the second one, it looked like even stevens going into the third test at the MCG. However it has been a masterful performance by the Indian men, particularly the bowlers. Indian made 443/7 in the first innings and declared the innings. The Australians were dismissed for 151 and India chose to bat rather than enforce the follow-on. And today on day 4 things look very much as though they will go India’s day.
Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling was terrific (he took 6 wickets in the first innings and 2 in the second). In fact this has been a game where the bowlers have shone. Ravindra Jadeja took 2 and 3 wickets respectively in the two innings and Pat Cummins has done well for Australia as well (3 in the first innings and 6 in the second innings).
Cheteshwar Pujara continued to dazzle down under. His century in the first innings was the highest individual score and largely responsible for the formidable first innings total.
The garrulous Rishabh Pant was very talkative behind the stumps, trying to get skipper Tim Paine unsettled.
Paine is known for a strong line in sledging himself so he clearly had to take what he so freely dishes out.
The tweeple found it all very amusing. Sledging in this ‘gentleman's game’ is always a fun! And in a five day game it enlivens the proceedings significantly feel a lot of viewers.
Indian viewers all experts of course and it was their considered view that after a big first innings total and getting Australia out cheaply, Kohli should hae enforced the follow on. When he choose not to do so, they were all furious, and expressed that view freely.
The fourth day was overcast and there is an apprehension of showers on day 5 of the test. Now that India failed to get the Aussies out on day four there are still two wickets left to mop up the Aussie tail. If fifth day is rained out, there will be hell to pay!
Former England captain Michael Vaughn had some rather harsh words for the Australian batsmen.
But not fast enough! There are still two wickets between India and a comprehensive victory in the third test against Australia at the MCG.
Its wait and watch right now as the obstinate Australian batsmen Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon cling tenaciously to their wickets. Currently India wishes that Day 5 of the test dawns clear and bright!
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