India started off Day 3 of the first Test in Nagpur in a very strong position. Thanks to Mohammed Shami’s entertaining cameo and all-rounder Axar Patel impressive 84-run contribution, India held a sizable lead of 223 runs after the first session.
When India’s lead was just over 50 runs, the left-handed hitter came out to bat. He remained committed to forming significant partnerships with Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj.
On Day 3, Jadeja didn’t last long and was bowled by Todd Murphy after misreading a decent pitch. In Murphy’s over, Mohammed Shami joined Axar Patel at the crease and thrilled the audience by smashing two sixes, leading to a fifty-run partnership between the two. But when he dismissed Shami for a well-made 37 off 47 balls with two fours and three sixes in his subsequent over, the newcomer had the last laugh.
Axar and Mohammed Siraj then added a crucial 20-run partnership to bring India’s advantage to almost 220 before Axar was bowled by Pat Cummins, ending India’s innings with 400 runs scored.
Axar was out after facing more than 170 deliveries.
What happened in Australia‘s second innings?
India easily defeated the visitors in the afternoon after bowling them out for 91 runs in just 33 overs. With help from all the other bowlers, Ashwin took a fifer and completely destroyed the Australian batters. India scored 132 runs in their innings to complete a significant victory and seize the lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. To guarantee their spot in the World Test Championship Final, India will need to win at least two more tests in this series. Australia, on the other hand, have to win or draw a Test match to guarantee their spot in the WTC championship game.
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