India vs Australia 3rd test day 3 Live Score: KL Rahul continues to battle at the crease as wickets tumble around him. Rishabh Pant has been dismissed by Pat Cummins for the third time in the series.
Heavy rain forced an early tea break with India struggling at 27/3. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood exploited the conditions early and India batters found themselves in trouble. Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed off the second ball after nicking the first while attempting to drive. Shubman Gill followed soon after falling to Starc booming delivery with Mitchell Marsh taking a stunning catch at gully. Virat Kohli came close to a golden duck but eventually was dismissed driving caught behind off Hazlewood.
Earlier in the day Mohammed Siraj dismissed Nathan Lyon in his first over reducing Australia to their last wicket. Akash Deep then wrapped up Australia innings which ended at a hefty 445 after a few rain interruptions. Jasprit Bumrah picked up his sixth wicket of the innings but was quickly removed from the attack by Rohit Sharma. Alex Carey continued his aggressive batting reaching a rapid half century off 53 balls.
After a rain affected first day the Gabba Test saw a dramatic turn on Day 2 with Australia finishing at 405/7 putting them in a commanding position. On Day 3 Australia aimed to add more runs with Carey batting at 45 and looking dangerous. Starc also remained at the crease capable of scoring quickly if dismissed late.
The morning session of Day 3 is expected to be pivotal. Australia additional runs could make a big difference but India will be hoping for a couple of quick wickets to make the target manageable. India batters have already spent a lot of time in the field and will need to capitalize on their chance to put pressure back on Australia especially before the pitch becomes more challenging.
India will need to quickly wrap up Australia tail but must also ensure their own batting does not falter like it did at the Adelaide Oval. Rohit Sharma who will open will be under pressure to perform after some recent criticism for his leadership and batting form. A strong innings from him could not only ease his personal pressure but also provide a solid platform for his teammates.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill both having solid series performances so far will also be key. Jaiswal inconsistency and Gill failure to convert starts into big scores will be areas of concern. Meanwhile Rishabh Pant who had a memorable knock at the Gabba in the past will be eager to return to form after a quiet period hoping to make an impact with the bat in the middle order.
Rain returned shortly after Rishabh Pant was dismissed by Pat Cummins leaving India at 48/4 in 14.1 overs. Heavy rain interrupted the second session early with India at 27/3. India were 22/3 at lunch. Virat Kohli was dismissed while attempting to drive off Josh Hazlewood. Shubman Gill fell to the first ball of Mitchell Starc next over with Mitchell Marsh taking a stunning catch at gully. Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed off the second ball of the innings by Mitchell Starc. Australia were all out for 445 in 117.1 overs. Rain stopped play when Australia were at 435/8. Jasprit Bumrah claimed his sixth wicket in his second over of the day. Alex Carey scored his ninth Test half century off 53 balls. Australia began the day on 405/7 in 101 overs. Jasprit Bumrah figures stood at 5/72 at the start of the day. On Day 2 Travis Head (152 off 160 balls) and Steve Smith (101 off 190 balls) dominated the Indian bowlers placing Australia in a strong position. Head and Smith shared a 241 runs partnership in 302 balls for the fourth wicket.
Day 3 in Brisbane will be crucial in determining the direction of the match. India response with the bat will be critical in whether they can challenge Australia big total and keep the game competitive. A lot is at stake for the Indian team in this key contest.
