Chapter 89

Day 3 of the Test match in Melbourne Cricket Stadium witnessed a battle of resilience and determination from the Indian batsmen. Cheteshwar Pujara and night watchman Ishant Sharma showcased a masterclass in defensive batting, much to the amazement and appreciation of the crowd and the Indian team.

As the first session commenced, Pujara and Ishant took their positions at the crease. Pujara continued to display his trademark defensive style, leaving the Australian bowlers frustrated with his impeccable technique and concentration. On the other hand, Ishant, known for his bowling prowess, surprised everyone with his defensive strokes.

The crowd and the Indian dressing room were in awe of Ishant's gritty determination. Every time he blocked a delivery or left a ball, he garnered applause and cheers. When he managed to play a beautiful sweep shot off Nathan Lyon's bowling and sent it to the boundary, the entire stadium erupted in a standing ovation.

His career-best 37 runs not only bolstered India's total but also gave Pujara the confidence to play with even more conviction. The first session concluded without any wickets falling, and India's lead was a formidable 252 runs with Pujara standing strong on 77.

The Australian team, known for their aggressive nature, decided to resort to sledging tactics in the second session. They taunted Pujara for his defensive style, calling it boring and lacking excitement. Similarly, they made humorous remarks about Ishant's batting stance.

However, the Indian batsmen remained unfazed by the sledging. Pujara continued to bat with resilience, holding the innings together with his solid defense. Ishant, despite the taunts, showed composure and courage, determined to make a difference with the bat.

In a surprising turn of events, Ishant attempted to break free from his defensive approach and go for a big hit off Nathan Lyon's bowling. Unfortunately, he was given out LBW, bringing an end to his impressive innings. The Australian players chuckled, but their laughter was met with standing ovations from the Indian team and the crowd, acknowledging Ishant's valiant effort.

As Virat Kohli stepped in to bat, the Indian team's aggression intensified. The sledging from the Australian players was met with a resolute response from the Indian captain. Kohli chose to let his bat do the talking, launching an onslaught against the bowlers.

Kohli's attacking mindset dismantled the Australian bowling attack. He took charge of the innings, playing with flair and finesse. Mitchell Johnson's attempts to provoke Kohli with verbal volleys were met with disdain as Kohli continued to dominate the proceedings.

As soon as Kohli took his guard, Mitchell Johnson, the fiery Australian fast bowler, started his barrage of sledging. He tried to provoke Kohli, hoping to break his focus and get him to play a rash shot.

"Come on, Kohli! Is that all you've got? Show us what you're made of!" Johnson taunted, trying to get under Kohli's skin.

However, Kohli, the newly-appointed captain, was unfazed by the sledging. He had experienced similar tactics in the past and had learned to use them to his advantage. Instead of getting riled up, he decided to channel his aggression into his batting.

Kohli took his stance, his eyes firmly fixed on Johnson. He waited for the bowler to come charging in and unleashed a brilliant cover drive for a boundary. The Indian dressing room erupted with applause as Kohli responded to Johnson's sledging with a glorious stroke.

The sledging from the Australian fielders continued, but Kohli remained composed and focused on the task at hand. He knew that the best way to respond was to let his bat do the talking.

With each passing over, Kohli grew in confidence. He played some magnificent shots, effortlessly driving the ball through the gaps and piercing the field. The Australian bowlers tried to bowl short and test Kohli with bouncers, but he was up to the challenge.

In one particular over, Johnson tried to intimidate Kohli with a barrage of short-pitched deliveries. He even let out a few choice words, trying to get Kohli to lose his cool.

"Come on, Kohli! Show us what you're made of! You can't handle the heat!" Johnson taunted again.

But Kohli stood his ground and played with a calm determination. He ducked under the bouncers and defended resolutely, refusing to be baited by the sledging.

As the session progressed, Kohli's aggression was unleashed. He started to find the boundaries with ease, punishing the loose deliveries with powerful strokes. The Australian bowlers, including Johnson, were left searching for answers as Kohli's onslaught continued.

At the other end, Cheteshwar Pujara continued to bat with his unique defensive style. The Australian fielders had tried to get into his head by calling his approach boring and questioning his intent, but Pujara remained unfazed. He knew his role in the team and focused on grinding down the Australian bowlers with his impeccable defensive technique.

As the day neared its end, both Kohli and Pujara reached their respective centuries to the delight of the Indian team and the fans in the stands. Kohli's century came with a massive six off Johnson, silencing the sledging once and for all.

The Australian bowlers, who had tried to unsettle Kohli with their sledging, now found themselves on the receiving end of his aggression. Kohli's brilliant century, combined with Pujara's solid defensive approach, put India in a commanding position with a lead of 410 runs.

As the day ended, the Indian dressing room celebrated the impressive batting display. Kohli and Pujara had not only taken the game away from Australia but had also shown resilience in the face of sledging. The Australian team, on the other hand, had to rethink their tactics as their sledging seemed to have little effect on the Indian batsmen.

With two days still remaining in the Test match, India was well poised to push for a victory, thanks to the brilliant batting performances of Kohli and Pujara, who had not only silenced the sledging but also put their team in a dominant position in the match.