The West Test Day 3: India look to grind Australia down after taking commanding position
India are looking to grind Australia into dust in sweltering conditions on day three, can the Aussies claw their way back into the contest?
The Aussies looked lifeless yesterday and the pitch seems to have settled down. If they can’t break this mighty opening stand early it could be a long day in the field for the home side in the stifling heat.
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LUNCH
A near perfect session for India the loss of KL Rahul not withstanding.
Jaiswal brought up his ton and will be looking to go even bigger while Padikkal looks composed.
For Australia, the bowling has not been terrible without being inspiring, no doubt it’s tough out there and they’re beating the bat enough to keep themselves interested but not finding the edge.
Will India look to go aggressive after the break or continue accumulating?
We’ll find out in about 40mins.
84th over - IND 1/275 Lead by 321
SHOT. Short of a good length and Padikkal crashes it through point for four.
Close. Starc gets a bot pf extra bounce that beats Paddikkal’s push.
Shot. To full and Padikkal drives out to point for three with the outfield still sluggish.
Struck on the pads but going well down leg and that’s lunch
83rd over - IND 1/268
Surprises Padikkal with the bounce as it comes off his body.
A single to mid-off the only run off the over
82nd over - IND 1/267
Starc comes on from the Langer end.
Shot of the day. Starc goes full and Jaiswal steps and drives straight down the ground for four.
Stifled appeal for a catch down the leg-side.
Flashes a cut but pulls out at the last moment before edging one along the ground to gully.
Good yorker to finish as Jaiswal jams it out
81st over - IND 1/263
The first ball is defended before Hazlewood slings one down the legside for four byes.
Hazlewood errs again and slings four more byes down leg.
Not a great start in what’s already turning out to be another hard slog for Australia.
New ball taken
Now or never for Australia they have to make something happen here if they are any chance to pull off something remarkable.
Josh Hazlewood will take it form the Member’s end.
80th over - IND 1/255
Last one before the new ball.
Jaiswal drives a single to bring up India’s 250.
Padikkal works a single round the corner to bring up the 50 partnership.
Short and cut for two.
Single to long-on pushed the lead to 300.
One more comes off the last to make it six off.
79th over - IND 1/249
Padikkal works two wide-mid on as Lyon drops short.
The rest is defended.
78th over - IND 1/247
Labuschagne’s uninspiring spell is done as Travis Head comes on.
Head races through an over as his last ball just clears Pat Cummins in the covers for two. Lead is 293
77th over - IND 1/245
Padikkal plays at a maiden to Lyon.
