India vs Australia 2nd Test, Day 3: 5 interesting highlights of the day’s play at the Gabba

While Smith registered his sixth Test century fiery half-centuries from both Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc helped Australia gain a significant lead of 97 runs and end their innings on 505.

Updated: December 19, 2014 1:40 PM IST

By Aamir Salati

India vs Australia 2nd Test, Day 3: 5 interesting highlights of the day’s play at the Gabba

Highlights of the Day 3

Momentum completely shifted from India to Australia on day three of the Gabba Test. Australia started the day on 221 for four and then soon were restricted to 247 for six, but it was Australia’s tail along with Captain Steven Smith that frustrated India. While Smith registered his sixth Test century fiery half-centuries from both Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc helped Australia gain a significant lead of 97 runs and end their innings on 505. India then batted for 23 overs late in the day and at stumps are 71 for the loss of Murali Vijay’s wicket, still 26 runs behind. Here is how Australia dominated scenes on the third day of the Gabba Test.

India make early inroads: Resuming on an overnight score of 221 for four Australia lost two quick wickets early on. Mitchell Marsh was first to go when he shouldered arms to an incoming Ishant Sharma delivery and thus was bowled. Brad Haddin, who is having a tough time with the bat, was second wicket to fell. It was a nicely setup short ball plan that saw Haddin caught at short leg off Varun Aaron.

Steven Smith and Mitchell Johnson lead Australia’s charge: At 247 for six Mitchell Johnson joined Captain Steven Smith and then things changed drastically at the Gabba. The two not only batted out the morning session but took Australia out of trouble with a century stand. In the process Smith got to his sixth Test hundred and Johnson kept chin up to score his half-century. The two thumped Indian bowlers and helped Australia cut down the deficit. Ishant Sharma then provided India with the breakthrough when he had Johnson, who missed his century by just 12 runs, caught behind. Johnson and Smith’s seventh wicket stand was worth 148. In the same over Ishant also removed Smith, who was dismissed for the first time in this series, for 133. Quick two wickets saw Australia to 398 for eight.

Ninth and 10th wicket partnerships deflate India: Half century stand for both ninth and 10th wicket entirely shifted advantage in Australia’s favour. Mitchell Starc who scored his fourth Test fifty was the common factor in both the partnerships. He first stitched 56-run stand for the ninth wicket with Nathan Lyon and made sure Australia gain 1st innings lead. Starc then had a 51-run stand for the last wicket with Josh Hazelwood and further strengthened Australia’s lead. Both Lyon and Hazelwood provided vital support to Starc and courtesy these partnerships Australia reached 505 in their 1st innings.

India lose Murali Vijay: The right-hand opening batsman Murali Vijay has been prolific scorer for India so far in this Test series with three consecutive fifty-plus scores, including a century in 1st innings and visitors hopes largely banked on him to come good in 2nd innings as well, but the stylish opener fell early after getting off to a good start. Batting on 27, Vijay already had hit four 4s when he dragged Mitchell Starc’s angling delivery back onto the stumps.  He looked uncertain whether to leave the ball or play and thus Australia draw first blood with scoreboard reading 41 for one.

Shikhar Dhawan and Cheteshwar Pujara stay unbeaten: After Vijay’s dismissal, both Shikhar Dhawan and Cheteshwar Pujara batted cautiously as Australian bowlers kept bowling testing lines. The two showed grittiness and reduced the deficit to 26 runs. At stumps Dhawan and Pujara were unbeaten on 26 and 15 respectively. Day four will now see the Test match move to an interesting level, India will be looking to extend the lead while Australia will be aiming to cut short India’s tally.

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