3rd Test: Australia Declares at 89/7, Sets a 275-Run Challenge for India
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Brisbane, December 18 (NationPress) Australia has opted to declare their second innings at 89/7 after 18 overs, setting a challenging target of 275 runs for India to chase in the third Test at the Gabba on Wednesday. With a minimum of 54 overs still to be played, assuming rain does not interfere, the stage is primed for an exhilarating finish to the match.
After gaining a lead of 185 runs, Australia experienced a thrilling second innings of 18 overs. They played aggressively but lost wickets rapidly. Nevertheless, with a substantial lead, Australia managed to amass a total sufficient for a declaration, aided by significant contributions from Travis Head, Alex Carey, and Pat Cummins.
Now, faced with a pitch that offers inconsistent bounce and considerable seam movement, Australia's three fit frontline bowlers challenge India, who have struggled with their top order, to chase down the target. For India, Jasprit Bumrah claimed three wickets, bringing his match tally to nine, while Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj each took two wickets.
Bumrah initiated the breakthrough with an inward-moving delivery that took the inside edge of Usman Khawaja, dislodging the bails off the top of off stump. He returned to dismiss Marnus Labuschagne, who edged a slash to Rishabh Pant.
This wicket marked Bumrah's 52nd Test wicket in Australia, surpassing Kapil Dev to become India's all-time leading wicket-taker in Tests on Australian soil. Next, Akash struck again, as Nathan McSweeney flashed at a delivery outside off stump and was caught by Pant.
Mitchell Marsh's elevation to number four backfired as Akash found his outside edge, leading to another catch for Pant. Siraj then had Steve Smith caught down the leg side in a spectacular diving catch by Pant. Head and Carey scored quick boundaries before Head attempted a big shot but top-edged to the moving Pant, who secured his fifth catch of the innings.
Cummins had an entertaining stint at the crease, hitting a four and a six off Akash and repeating the feat against Siraj before being deceived by a slower ball from Bumrah, resulting in his catch at cover for 22 runs off just 10 balls. Just five balls after his dismissal, Cummins called back the batters to declare Australia’s innings, setting up an intriguing chase for India.
Brief scores: Australia 445 and 89/7 declared (Pat Cummins 22, Alex Carey 20 not out; Jasprit Bumrah 3-18, Akash Deep 2-28) lead India 260 in 78.5 overs (KL Rahul 84, Ravindra Jadeja 77; Pat Cummins 4-81, Mitchell Starc 3-83) by 274 runs.
