Chapter 83

On the third day of the Test match between Australia and India, Australia continued their dominance with an exceptional batting display. Despite India taking three quick wickets to break the momentum, Australia's batsmen, led by captain Steve Smith, Mitchell Johnson, and Brad Haddin, showcased their skill and resilience. The lower order frustrated the Indian bowlers, with even Nitish Reddy failing to make an impact. At the end of the day, Australia declared their innings at 492/7, leaving India with a daunting task. In the 10 overs remaining in the day's play, India lost both their openers and had captain Virat Kohli and night watchman Ishant Sharma at the crease.

As the day's play commenced, India was hopeful of making early inroads into Australia's batting lineup. However, Steve Smith had different plans. He continued his brilliant form and played with great composure, frustrating the Indian bowlers.

Harsha Bhogle: "Welcome back to Day 3 of this enthralling Test match. Steve Smith has been in a league of his own, and India needs to find a way to dismiss him early to gain some control."

Murali Karthik: "Absolutely, Harsha. Smith's consistency and technique have been impeccable. He has been the anchor of Australia's batting lineup. It's crucial for India to break his concentration."

Despite the occasional breakthroughs, Australia's middle order remained resilient. Mitchell Johnson and Brad Haddin, known for their aggressive batting, brought their attacking intent to the fore.

Harsha Bhogle: "Mitchell Johnson and Brad Haddin are making their intentions clear. They are counter-attacking the Indian bowlers, putting them under immense pressure."

Murali Karthik: "Indeed, Harsha. Johnson and Haddin are known for their aggressive approach. They are using their experience to turn the tide in Australia's favor. India needs to regroup and find a way to dismiss them."

Just as it seemed that India was gaining some control, Johnson and Haddin played some powerful strokes, punishing the loose deliveries and increasing the scoring rate.

Harsha Bhogle: "Mitchell Johnson and Brad Haddin are turning the game in Australia's favor. Their partnership is blossoming, and the Indian bowlers are finding it hard to contain them."

Murali Karthik: "Absolutely, Harsha. Johnson and Haddin have seized the momentum and are playing with authority. They are scoring quickly, putting the Indian bowlers on the back foot."

India's bowlers struggled to make an impact as the Australian lower order continued to frustrate them. Even the introduction of Nitish Reddy, who had been impressive in the earlier Tests, failed to yield the desired results.

Harsha Bhogle: "Nitish Reddy, who had a brilliant start to the series, is finding it tough to make an impact today. The Australian lower order is displaying great resilience and skill."

Murali Karthik: "Indeed, Harsha. The Australian tailenders are proving to be a thorn in India's side. They are playing with confidence and taking the attack to the bowlers. It's a challenging situation for India."

As the day's play progressed, Australia's lead grew, and their dominance became evident. The Indian bowlers were left searching for answers, desperately looking for breakthroughs.

Harsha Bhogle: "Australia's lower order is continuing to frustrate the Indian bowlers. They are adding valuable runs to the total, extending Australia's lead. India needs to find a way to break this partnership."

Murali Karthik: "Absolutely, Harsha. The lower-order batsmen have shown great application and determination. They are capitalizing on any loose deliveries and making it difficult for the Indian bowlers to dismiss them."

With just 10 overs remaining in the day's play, Australia declared their innings at a commanding 492/7. The decision left India with a challenging task ahead, both in terms of erasing the deficit and surviving the remaining overs.

Harsha Bhogle: "Australia has declared their innings. It's a mammoth total, and India faces an uphill battle. The Indian openers will have a tough task ahead, trying to negotiate the new ball."

Murali Karthik: "Indeed, Harsha. The last 10 overs of the day will be crucial for India. They need to see off the new ball and ensure no further damage is done to their batting lineup."

In the limited overs remaining, India faced a tough challenge against Australia's potent pace attack. Unfortunately, they lost both their openers and had night watchman Ishant Sharma and captain Virat Kohli at the crease.

Harsha Bhogle: "India's batting lineup faces a tough test in the remaining overs. Losing both openers is a blow, but they still have the experienced duo of Ishant Sharma and Virat Kohli at the crease."

Murali Karthik: "Absolutely, Harsha. India needs these two batsmen to provide stability and ensure no further loss of wickets. It's crucial for them to see off the day and regroup for the next session."

At the end of an eventful day's play, Australia had continued their dominance, leaving India with a mountain to climb. The final day promised an exciting battle, as India would need to fight hard to salvage a draw or aim for an improbable victory.