Boxing Day Test - Day 5, Lunch Report: Australia declare at 318/9, set India 384-run target

Shaun Marsh

Melbourne, Dec 30 (IANS) Middle-order batsman Shaun Marsh missed his maiden Test century on home soil, getting run out on 99 runs, but steered Australia to 318 for nine declared at lunch, to set India a 384-run target in 70 overs, on the fifth and final day of the third Test here on Tuesday.

Marsh was dismissed by a direct hit from an onrushing Virat Kohli from mid-on while trying to complete what would have been his third Test century with a quick single at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Ran Harris, unbeaten on eight overnight, was the first batsman dismissed during the morning session that was halted twice by rain. He was out for 21 by Mohammed Shami, who picked up his second wicket of the innings to give two wickets each to India's four bowlers.

Rain stopped the action twice, but Australia weren't willing to declare their innings despite the time loss. They waited till Marsh's century to declare their innings, but Marsh was dismissed just on the stroke of lunch.

The overnight unbeaten pair of Marsh and Harris began the day's proceedings watchfully, managing just 17 runs from the first nine overs.

India didn't take the second new ball, as the old one was offering some reverse swing. Australia were uncharacteristically slow as they batted without any urgency, with the intention of batting India out of the game.