The play of the third Test between India and Australia resumed on Thursday (March 2), with the hosts restricting Australia to 88 run lead on Day 2. However, coming out to bat for their second innings, the Indian side once again struggled against the Aussie spinners and lost a few early wickets.
Starting Day 2 on 156/4, Australia failed to continue the momentum, with their batters falling like a house of cards. Usman Khawaja (60) and Marnus Labuschagne (31) were the top run scorers for the visitors in their second innings. Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja picked four wickets for India and played a significant role in dismantling the touring party’s line-up. Ravichandran Ashwin and Umesh Yadav also bagged three scalps each for the hosts.
After bowling out Australia for 197, the home side got off to a shaky start as they went four wickets down with just 78 runs on the board. Coming to bat at sixth position Shreyas Iyer built a steady partnership with Cheteshwar Pujara to help his team diffuse the lead. Iyer scored a decent 26 off 27 deliveries, including three fours and two sixes. Among those two maximums that the 29-year-old Mumbai batter hit, one came off Matthew Kuhnemann.
On the fourth ball of the 34th over, Iyer went back on the backfoot and smacked Kuhnemann over deep mid-wicket for a maximum. The Indian dugout appreciated the right-handed batter’s effort and was seen applauding. The commentators were also heard lauding Iyer after the boundary, as it wasn’t easy to play that kind of shot on a turning track.
Here’s the video:
Shreyas Iyer on the charge. Goes for a maximum off Matthew Kuhnemann.#TeamIndia with a lead of 23 runs now.
Live – https://t.co/xymbrIdO60 #INDvAUS @mastercardindia pic.twitter.com/jlHiAFmCdv
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 2, 2023
Despite Pujara’s resilient 59 and Iyer’s handy cameo, India couldn’t manage to secure a healthy lead and were bundled out on 163 in their second innings. Nathan Lyon shined for the Aussie side and picked up eight wickets, while Mitchell Starc and Kuhnemann also scalped one wicket each. Australia will now have to chase mere 76 runs to win the third Test.
