In an absolutely fabulous day of Test cricket, the Indian cricket team moved closer to clinching the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a superb all-round performance on day 3. At the start of the day 2, India were 248 – 6, trailing Australia by 52 runs with Wriddhiman Saha and Ravindra Jadeja at the crease.
The impressive partnership helped India set a lead of 32. At one stage, it looked like India could have a healthier lead but the Australian side did well to pick the last 4 wickets and close the Indian innings quickly.
Australia were rocked early in their second innings, losing David Warner, Matt Renshaw and skipper Matt Renshaw before they could negate India’s lead. India’s intensity never waned and on the back of some very impressive captaincy from Ajinkya Rahane, they cleaned the visitors up for 137 in the second innings.
Needing 106 to win, KL Rahul scored 3 boundaries in the very first over. Along with Murali Vijay, the team moved along to 19/0, needing just 87 more to clinch the series.
Ravichandran Ashwin, the leader of the bowling attack in the home series, spoke at length at the conclusion of the day’s play. He said, “We couldn't have asked for more. We had a great first session. I thought Jaddu and Saha batted really well, we got our noses in front. I thought they bowled well all through the day yesterday.
It is still a good wicket to bat. There are a few cracks opening outside off-stump which is tricky. We need to be tight against the off-spinner. It was a great spell from Umesh and Bhuvi to start the innings; set the tone for us. Not many times do we get such tone to utilize as spinners. It is one of those day where they came out all guns blazing.
It has been a magical season. It will be difficult to replicate this performance but I am sure I will try and strive hard. 81 wickets in 13 games doesn't come a lot.”
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