WTC Final: Day 3 Talking Points – Australia pile up huge lead despite India’s recovery
India started the proceedings on Day 3 at 151/5 with Ajinkya Rahane and KS Bharat walking back to the crease. Australia started the day off on a high note as they dismissed Bharat in the very first over. But the Indian middle-order batters displayed sheer domination in the following events. Their efforts resulted in India finishing on 296, and Australia closed the day with a score of 123/4 on stumps.
After Bharat’s dismissal, Shardul Thakur and Rahane stitched up a 109-run partnership for the seventh wicket to stabilize India’s innings and keep the team’s hopes alive. Rahane fell 11 runs short of a century and was dismissed on 89(129), but Shardul kept going even after his dismissal. Shardul notched up a record-setting half-century before Australia bowled India out for 296 runs.
Australia’s start to the second innings was not ideal, as Indian bowlers made a remarkable comeback. Mohammed Siraj drew the first blood again, dismissing David Warner for a mere run to his name. Umesh Yadav joined the celebrations and dismissed Usman Khawaja. Ravindra Jadeja then picked up two wickets as Australia lost four in total in the third session. With a lead of 296 runs, the middle-order batters would look to do well on Day 4.
Talking Points from Day 3
1. Ajinkya Rahane’s dream comeback
Ajinkya Rahane had a dreamy comeback, as he emerged as India’s highest run scorer in the first innings, hitting 89 runs off 129 deliveries. Rahane’s knock included 11 fours and one six, but unfortunately, he fell short of a few runs to complete a century.
2. Shardul Thakur, Lord of The Oval
Shardul Thakur proved why his selection into the team was crucial. After picking up two wickets in the first innings, Thakur laced it up with a mighty half-century, scoring 51 runs off 109 deliveries. Notably, he scored his third consecutive half-century at the venue, and his knock helped India reach a respectable total.
3. Marnus Labuschagne’s nap
Australia took a massive lead of 173 runs in the first innings as they came out to start their second innings during the second session. Amid the action that was taking place on the pitch, Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne was caught having a nap in the dressing room having padded up.
4. Ravindra Jadeja dismisses Australia’s centurions
Ravindra Jadeja was phenomenal in the final session of Day 3, as he dismissed the centurions from Australia’s first innings- Steve Smith and Travis Head. Jadeja dismissed Smith for a 47-ball 34, while Travis found his way back to the pavilion scoring 18 off 27.
