The fourth Test match between India and Australia is well underway, with Day 3 providing an exciting start to proceedings at the Gabba in Brisbane. As the day progressed and the live score updated, the game continued to remain in the balance as both teams fought for supremacy.
India, who are trailing the series 2-1, entered Day 3 hoping to put up a strong performance with the bat after a lackluster display on Day 2. With only one wicket lost, India got off to a relatively good start with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill at the crease. However, the introduction of left-arm spinner Mitchell Swepson changed the fortunes of the visitors.
Swepson, playing only his second Test match, dismissed Gill for 7 runs in the 14th over. Gill was expecting a short ball from the spinner, but Swepson bowled a fuller delivery and beat the batsman with his turn. The ball hit the top of off-stump, bringing an end to what could have been an impressive knock from the young opener.
Rohit Sharma, who has been in decent form in the series, looked to steady the ship and was joined by Cheteshwar Pujara at the crease. The pair negotiated the spin of Swepson and Nathan Lyon, who opened the bowling for Australia, with relative ease.
However, in the 25th over, Australia made a crucial breakthrough as Swepson got Rohit Sharma for 44 runs. The delivery was a short one outside off-stump, and Rohit Sharma played a cut shot straight to Marnus Labuschagne at point. The Indian opener was visibly disappointed with his dismissal as he trudged back to the pavilion.
Pujara, who has been under criticism for his slow batting in the series, was joined by Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane. The pair looked to stabilize the Indian innings after the loss of Rohit Sharma. The Aussies continued to attack with their spin duo, trying to pick up a couple more wickets before the mandatory new ball.
Just before the new ball was due, Australia introduced another left-arm spinner, Xavier Bartlett. The introduction paid immediate dividends as he got Cheteshwar Pujara for 25 runs on the second ball of his second over. The delivery was a good length ball on middle stump, and Pujara tried to defend, only to get an inside edge onto his pads, which deflected onto the stumps.
With India 123/3 and the new ball just around the corner, the Aussies continued with Lyon and Starc, hoping to make further inroads into the Indian batting line-up. However, Ajinkya Rahane and Hanuma Vihari countered the Australian attack and saw off the new ball without any damage.
The Indian batsmen played with a lot of patience and determination, which has been lacking in the series so far. They did not take unnecessary risks and were content to play the waiting game, hoping to tire out the Aussie bowlers.
By the end of the day’s play, India had scored 209 runs for the loss of three wickets, with Ajinkya Rahane and Hanuma Vihari at the crease. The live score in the fourth Test match between India and Australia suggests that the game is evenly poised and that both teams have a chance to win.
India will be looking to build on their strong performance with the bat and post a huge total, while Australia will aim to pick up some quick wickets on Day 4 and get back into the driver’s seat.
Overall, it has been a thrilling day of cricket with many ups and downs. One can only hope for more of the same as the Test match progresses, and the live score updates keep us glued to our screens.