India vs Australia, 3rd Test Day 3, Highlights: The series is tied 1-1.India vs Australia (IND vs AUS) 3rd Test Day 3 Highlights: Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne guided Australia to a resounding 197-run lead at the end of the third day of the Sydney Test between India and Australia on Saturday.
After starting the day in a healthy position, India were dismantled by Australia within the first two sessions of the day. Owing to Pat Cummins’ pace attack and three unfortunate run-outs, Ajinkya Rahane’s men were reduced from 195/4 to 244-all out. Australia came out for their second innings with a 94-run lead but lost both of their openers inside ten overs. Post that, Smith (29*) and Labuschagne (47*) held their positions in the middle and helped their team end the day on 103/2.
Smith and Labuschagne's unbeaten 68-run partnership put Australia on top of the Sydney Test at the end of Day 3 as the hosts end on 103/2 with a lead of 197 runs. Paine's men came out in their second innings with a lead of 94, but both of their openers were sent packing by Siraj and Ashwin. Post that, it was one way traffic. Earlier, India failed to take a first innings lead as they collapsed from 195/4 to 244 all out. Is the match going away from Rahane's side? Find out tomorrow from 5 AM IST.
With every over, the match is slowly drifting away from India as Australia are scoring at a run-rate close to 4. No wickets to show for in the past 109 balls too, so it's a bit concerning. Meanwhile, Smith and Labuschagne keep increasing the lead... 191 runs now.
After remaining dormant for quite some time, Smith (22*) has finally found his groove... the one that almost destroyed India earlier. He smacks Bumrah for a four and then eventually brings up the fifty-run partnership with Labuschagne (39*). AUS: 86/2 (24 overs)
The trusted partnership of Smith (5*) and Labuschagne (27*) helps Australia cross the fifty-run mark! While the former is playing it safe, the latter is punishing full-tosses by converting them into boundaries. Saini, Ashwin keep at it though. AUS: 57/2 (15 overs)
After Saini's first maiden over in Test cricket, Ashwin comes back with another shout! This time against the dangerous Smith! Flighted and lands full on leg-stump but ball-tracking says it misses the wicket. India retain their review and maintain the pressure.
GONE! Ashwin comes into the attack and scalps the wicket of Warner on his second delivery! The batsman opted for a sweep but the ball went past his bat and struck him in-line with the stumps. Brilliant review by the captain Rahane! AUS: 35/2 (9.2 overs)
And there's the breakthrough! Siraj strikes first for India as he sends Pucovski (10) back to the pavilion! The right-handed batsman nicked the angled delivery behind... straight into the hands of a diving Saha! On comes Labuschagne. AUS: 16/1 (5.5 overs)
Pucovski picks up from where he had left off in his first innings and smacks Bumrah for two fours in two back-to-back overs. Warner is taking it slow, hoping to preserve his wicket on his comeback. The hosts lead by 106 runs now. AUS: 12/0 (4 overs)
With the 94-run lead, Australian openers David Warner and Will Pucovski are at the middle. Indian bowling side-led by Jasprit Bumrah will try their best to restrict the Aussie innings for a smaller total. Wridhhiman Saha is the man behind the wickets in absence of Rishabh Pant. Let's see how things pan out for India from here.
Siraj is given out caught behind and he reviews it.. but sniko shows there is a spike! So India are bowled out for 244 and #Australia have a lead of 94 runs. Remember, after being 195/4, India slump to 244 all out.
And then a four, Jadeja is throwing his bat around and getting some valuable runs for India. India now trails by 99 runs. However, there is some concern in the middle, with Jadeja getting hurt on his left thumb by the short ball. The physio is in and the batsman is back on strike.
While wickets are falling around him, Ravindra Jadeja is continuing to score freely. Gets three boundaries off the over from Starc with one of them from a no-ball. The lead is now slowly reducing to 100. Score after 97 overs, IND- 225/9
Seventh time three or more Indian batsmen have been run-out in an innings - first time ever in their first innings.
Last was against England in Mohali in 2008/09 - Sehwag, Laxman & Yuvraj were dismissed run-out in the second innings.
Boy o boy! Third one for India in this innings and this is a crime! Bumrah is gone for a duck. Labuschagne with the bull's eye! Runouts are unacceptable in Test cricket and the visitors have offered Australia three. India falling apart here and the score - 216/9
That is the end of Saini who was trying to defend a short one but ended up giving a simple catch to the fielder at short cover. Will India survive till Tea? Score after 95 overs, IND 210/8
Second run-out of the Indian innings and this time it is Ashwin who is caught short. Cummins was quick to collect the ball. Fires a throw at the keeper's end as Labuschagne grabs the ball and takes off the bails before Ashwin can get there. India sink further. Score after 93 overs, IND- 207/7
Five innings:
129 balls
119 dots
19 runs
SR 14.73
Four dismissals
World number one bowler - Pat Cummins - brings an end to Pujara's fight. He has him edging behind. India in trouble now with two wickets in succession. Score after 89 overs, IND- 195/6
Pant (36) was looking dangerous but he’s nicked one to Warner off Hazlewood. Pant never looked like the batsman after that hit on the arm. Can't understand the point of not wearing the arm guard. Jadeja too walks out without the arm guard. India clearly on the backfoot here. Have dug a hole for themselves and mow falling in it. Score after 88 overs, IND- 195/5