Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja continued his stunning show with the ball, but a second-wicket partnership between Usman Khawaja, who scored a fifty, and Marnus Labuschagne, denied the hosts an opportunity to continue their domination over Australia, taking the visitors to 156/4 at the end of the first day of play in the third Test at Indore on Wednesday.
At the end of the day’s play, Peter Handscomb (7*) and all-rounder Cameron Green (6*) were unbeaten for the Aussies. They lead India by 47 runs. Australia resumed their innings at 71/1 after tea, with Usman Khawaja (33*) and Marnus Labuschagne (16*) unbeaten.
Khawaja and Labuschagne made the hosts toil hard for a wicket. Australia reached the 100-run mark in 29.5 overs.
Ravindra Jadeja continued his great form with the ball, dislodging Labuschagne’s middle stump to send him back for 31 off 91 balls. Australia was 108/2. The 96-run stand between Khawaja and Labuschagne was ended. Khawaja reached his half-century in 103 balls.
Skipper Steve Smith was next up on the crease. Australia secured a lead in the match.
Jadeja got his third wicket of the match, dismissing a well-set Khawaja for 60 runs, with assistance from Shubman Gill at deep midwicket. Australia was 125/3 at that point.
Captain Smith’s rough form in the series continued as Jadeja dismissed him for 26 runs after he was caught by wicketkeeper-batter Srikar Bharat. Australia was 146/4 at this point.
Peter Handscomb and Cameron Green took Australia through the remainder of the day without any further damage. Australia ended the day’s play at 156/4, having a lead of 47 runs over the hosts.
Jadeja was once again the star of the day for India, taking all four wickets for 63 runs in his 24 overs.
Brief Scores: India: 109 in 33.2 overs (Virat Kohli 22, Shubman Gill 21, Matthew Kuhnemann 5/16) trail Australia: 156/4 in 54 overs (Usman Khawaja 60, Marnus Labuschagne 31, Ravindra Jadeja 4/63).