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Kolkata Knight Riders

about 2 years ago

India added a mere 148 runs to their overnight tally of 96/2 and conceded 103 runs to Australia, taking just two wickets, on the third Day of the Pink Test at Sydney Cricket Ground. The figures just go on to tell you that nothing went in favour of India on Saturday as they now trail the Aussies by 197 runs after being skittled out for 244.

At stumps, Marnus Labuschagne (47*) and Steve Smith (29*) were at the crease and they seemed to be in no mood to let their first innings form slip away. Bad news for India indeed! Even though the visitors got a couple of early wickets in Will Pucovski (10) and David Warner (13), Australia’s inflating lead will surely keep the Indian dressing room in a pensive mood as the third Test heads into its fourth day tomorrow.

If the status of the Test match is not big enough a worry, India have grave injury concerns to deal with as both Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant failed to make it to the field during Australia’s 2nd innings. While Jadeja suffered a sore thumb during his 28*-run knock, Pant had to be taken to hospital for scans after receiving a blow on his left elbow while trying to play a pull shot off Pat Cummins. Wriddhiman Saha substituted him behind the wickets.

Talking about India’s slump, it all started with skipper Ajinkya Rahane’s (22) dismissal. Rahane has no one but himself to blame for choosing a poor shot. A little outside-the-off delivery from Cummins - way too close to his body - wasn’t ideal to play a cut shot surely!

Cummins was at his usual best picking up 4/29 which also included Cheteshwar Pujara’s (50) wicket. Pujara’s struggle continued against the World No. 1 as he became his victim for the fourth time this series.

India’s innings was mostly plagued with run outs – three to be precise. Some electrifying fielding from the Aussies saw Jasprit Bumrah, R Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari failing to make their crease. Josh Hazlewood’s throw to send Vihari back was a masterpiece indeed. 

India will now need something magical from the bowlers to turn the tides in this Test match. The wicket still looks pretty flat and the Aussies certainly hold the upper hand at this moment. 

Meanwhile, have a look at the following video for all 10 wickets of the Indian innings.

Watch the Full Day Highlights Here: