Australia’s cricket team had a day to remember on Wednesday as they dominated India on the opening day of the third Test in Indore. Spinner Matthew Kuhnemann and Usman Khawaja starred with the ball and bat respectively, helping their team to a 47-run lead at stumps.
Australia’s Performance in the Match
Kuhnemann was the standout performer for Australia, taking a maiden five-wicket haul in just his second Test. The left-arm spinner caused havoc on a viciously turning pitch and was ably supported by veteran spinner Nathan Lyon, who took three wickets.
Australia had earlier dismissed India for just 109, a total that was never going to be enough on a challenging surface. Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour described it as an “off day” for the hosts, but credit must also go to Australia’s bowlers, who exploited the conditions to great effect.
In reply, Australia lost four wickets but was still in a strong position at the stumps, with Khawaja’s half-century and a solid knock from skipper Steve Smith helping to put them ahead of India’s first-innings total.
Khawaja was pleased with his partnership with Marnus Labuschagne, which helped Australia to recover from the early loss of David Warner.
“I executed my plans, tried to score when I saw a scoring opportunity, and respected the good ball. It’s not rocket science, it was good to get a partnership with Marnus,” Khawaja said after the day’s play.
Labuschagne, who is currently the top-ranked Test batsman, was lucky to survive early on when he chopped the ball onto his stumps on naught but was given a reprieve when spinner Ravindra Jadeja was adjudged to have overstepped the crease. He eventually departed for 31.
India’s Perspective of the Match
India’s star batsman Virat Kohli looked positive during his knock of 22 but was dismissed lbw by off-spinner Todd Murphy, who has now claimed his wicket three times in as many matches.
It was a day to forget for India, but they will be hoping to bounce back on day two and restrict Australia’s lead. With the pitch likely to deteriorate further, it promises to be an intriguing battle between bat and ball.
India’s Past Accomplishments in the Test Series
India defeated Australia by six wickets in the second Test in Delhi, winning the series 2-0 with one match remaining. Australia was bowled out for 113 in their second innings, with Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin doing the damage.
India’s chase of 115 was not without incident, but they reached their target with six wickets to spare, Cheteshwar Pujara scoring the winning run in his 100th Test. Jadeja was named Player of the Match for his 10-wicket haul.
The Border–Gavaskar Trophy so Far
The latest Test series between India and Australia (otherwise known as The Border–Gavaskar Trophy) began on February 9. The current test will be until March 5 and the final test will start on March 9. Given Australia’s latest victory, there is a chance that this Test series will end in a surprise.
Following the Test series, the two teams will compete against each other again in an ODI series starting on March 17.
