Chasing Australia’s huge total of 530 runs in the first inning at the third test, team India fought back on day three in Melbourne. India’s batsmen displayed some amazing batting talent and patience to take the team closer to that of the Aussie’s score. Ajinkya Rahane and Virat Kohli’s magnificent centuries were the highlight of the day.

Virat Kohli inspires India’s fight against Australia

At one stage India were limping at 147/3 but the middle order batsmen took the charge and helped India reached 462/8 at the end of the day’s play. Ajinkya Rahane displayed his class once again and scored a determined knock of 147 runs before he got out LBW. Dashing batsman Virat Kohli’s brilliant form continues and he went on to score his third century in the series. He scored a magnificent 169 before getting out caught behind.

There is no doubt that with the two consecutive win in the series the Aussies have managed to get that psychological advantage over India. They only need to draw this Melbourne test in order to win the series. On the other hand, this is a must win match for team India. They have to win it anyhow to save the series.

At stumps India had successfully put 462 runs on the scoreboard with just 68 runs short of Aussie’s total. Although it is expected that India’s tail-enders will put off a some sort of fight before getting all out on day four, but they may end up failing to score big for the team. India will either get out before touching the figure of 530 or else they may gain a very little lead over the host.

When India will start afresh on day four, there is an urgent need for Mohammad Shami and Umesh Yadav to show some batting power as well. If they manage to give India a lead of 100 plus runs, then it is certain that the Australia will come under pressure while batting in their second inning.

It was a day for Indian fans. Both Rahane and Kohli punished bad deliveries and played fluently to give India the much needed 262 runs partnership for the fourth wicket. When the partnership was broken India had already scored 409 runs. Amongst other Indian batsmen Dhoni and Lokesh Rahul fell cheaply without scoring much. R Ashwin too got out on a duck.

Amongst Kangaroo bowlers the 35-year-old Ryan Harris posed some challenges to the Indian batsmen. He bowled well and finished the day with an impressive figure of 4-69. Australian bowlers toiled throughout the day but finished off well by dismissing five of Indian batsmen, including the talented duo of Rahane and Kohli.

Australia’s strike bowler Mitchell Johnson seemed completely clueless today. Virat Kohli punished him smartly for his repeated short pitched deliveries. His first two overs after tea were very expensive. Indian batsmen amassed 27 runs in these two overs. Mitchell Johnson ended his day’s spell with 1-133 which definitely doesn’t look good on a bowler of his caliber.

Tags: 3rd Test, Ajinkya Rahane, Australia, Boxing Day Test, Cricket, India, Melbourne, Mitchell Johnson, Test Match, Virat Kohli