The West Test Day 3: India look to grind Australia down after taking commanding position
India are looking to grind Australia into dust in sweltering conditions on day three, can the Aussies claw their way back into the contest?
The Aussies looked lifeless yesterday and the pitch seems to have settled down. If they can’t break this mighty opening stand early it could be a long day in the field for the home side in the stifling heat.
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87th over - IND 2/278
Jaiswal edges one but it’s on the bounce to McSweeney in gully.
He finds one at too backward point before there’s a big cheer as Kohli gets off the mark with a single into the off-side.
86th over - IND 2/276
Starc continues to Jaiswal.
The early strike from Hazlewood has certainly just raised the energy a bit.
Jaiswal slashes hard to third man for one.
Kohli leaves the rest of the over.
85th over - IND 2/275
Kohli is watchful early leaving his first few before he has a bite off the last one and takes a thickish edge out to point.
Playing a long way away from his body there
OUT!
A wicket first ball after lunch.
Hazlewood on the money first up and Padikkal knicks one to Steve Smith who takes a good low catch.
Bit of extra bounce might of caught him out too.
A massive roar goes up as Kohli comes out to bat.
LUNCH
A near perfect session for India the loss of KL Rahul not withstanding.
Jaiswal brought up his ton and will be looking to go even bigger while Padikkal looks composed.
For Australia, the bowling has not been terrible without being inspiring, no doubt it’s tough out there and they’re beating the bat enough to keep themselves interested but not finding the edge.
Will India look to go aggressive after the break or continue accumulating?
We’ll find out in about 40mins.
84th over - IND 1/275 Lead by 321
SHOT. Short of a good length and Padikkal crashes it through point for four.
Close. Starc gets a bot pf extra bounce that beats Paddikkal’s push.
Shot. To full and Padikkal drives out to point for three with the outfield still sluggish.
Struck on the pads but going well down leg and that’s lunch
83rd over - IND 1/268
Surprises Padikkal with the bounce as it comes off his body.
A single to mid-off the only run off the over
82nd over - IND 1/267
Starc comes on from the Langer end.
Shot of the day. Starc goes full and Jaiswal steps and drives straight down the ground for four.
Stifled appeal for a catch down the leg-side.
Flashes a cut but pulls out at the last moment before edging one along the ground to gully.
Good yorker to finish as Jaiswal jams it out
81st over - IND 1/263
The first ball is defended before Hazlewood slings one down the legside for four byes.
Hazlewood errs again and slings four more byes down leg.
Not a great start in what’s already turning out to be another hard slog for Australia.
New ball taken
Now or never for Australia they have to make something happen here if they are any chance to pull off something remarkable.
Josh Hazlewood will take it form the Member’s end.
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