3 minute read
A snapshot of day three of the second cricket Test between Australia and India at the MCG.
AUSTRALIA v INDIA, SECOND TEST, DAY THREE:
Score: Australia 195 and 6-133 versus India 326.
Summary: Matthew Wade (40) provided the best resistance as India's well-rounded bowling attack stifled the Australian batsmen and forced them into making mistakes, despite losing quick Umesh Yadav to a leg injury. Joe Burns (four) and Steve Smith (eight) were out cheaply, and Travis Head (17) paid the price for poor shot selection as Cameron Green (17 not out) and Pat Cummins (15 not out) dragged Australia past India's first-innings total with four wickets left in the bank.
Man of the moment: All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was part of an incredibly even Indian bowling contribution, claiming 2-25 from 10 overs. It came after he scored 57 in the first innings. His only blemish was running out stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane early on day three.
Key moment: Neither the batsman or the bowler seemed to realise it at the time, but Steve Smith being knocked over by Jasprit Bumrah was massive for India. The world's No.1 batsman moved across his stumps to tickle the ball fine, but it brushed leg stump, causing the bail to fall. The third umpire was required to clear up the confusion.
Stat of the day: After a lean run in this series, Smith has averaged just 26.3 in seven Tests without a century to his name since his superhuman effort in the 2019 Ashes. It is well down on his average of 61.3 across his glittering career.
Quote of the day: "We'll take anything. I know Cummins isn't an established batsman, but he's done well at the MCG in the past." Australia's Matthew Wade when asked what lead might be defendable.
