The fourth and final Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023 between India and Australia began on March 09 at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium. While the hosts have won the first two Tests, the visitors bounced back to register a triumph in the third match.
The opening day’s proceedings started with Steve Smith-led Australia winning the toss and opting to bat first. Openers Travis Head and Usman Khawaja kicked off well, with the duo adding 61 runs in 15.3 overs before Ravichandran Ashwin drew the first blood by dismissing Head for 32. Soon, veteran paceman Mohammed Shami joined the party and got rid of Australia’s Mr dependable Marnus Labuschagne.
It all happened during the 23rd over when Shami bowled a good-length delivery which Labuschagne tried to guide on the off-side but caught in the crease. The batter got a thick inside edge as the ball ricocheted and shattered the stumps.
Here is the video:
𝐓.𝐈.𝐌.𝐁.𝐄.𝐑 🔥@MdShami11 sends back Labuschagne to scalp the second wicket for #TeamIndia 👌
Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/8DPghkx0DE#INDvAUS | @mastercardindia pic.twitter.com/LT3ao2kFBk
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 9, 2023
Earlier, the Prime Ministers of both countries – Mr. Narendra Modia and Mr. Anthony Albanese presented the Test caps to both the skippers. While PM Modi gave the cap to Indian captain Rohit Sharma, PM Albanese presented the baggy green to Aussie leader Steve Smith.
“We would have batted first. We know what needs to be done. Siraj is rested, and Shami is back. It’s always nice to have some time off. We need to regroup as a team, you can reflect on so many things. Not the surface what we saw in the first three Tests, looks a good pitch, I hope it stays the same for all five days,” said Rohit during the toss.
