India is firmly on track to secure a dominant victory in the first Test against Australia at Optus Stadium after a day of batting brilliance and late bowling heroics.
India declared their second innings at a commanding 487 for 6, thanks to a stunning 161 from Yashasvi Jaiswal and a timely 100* from Virat Kohli. Australia, chasing an improbable 534 to win, ended Day 3 in disarray, reduced to 12 for 3, with 522 more runs required to secure an unlikely victory.
Jaiswal’s Masterclass
Jaiswal, who has been in sensational form, led India’s charge, producing a flawless innings that included 17 boundaries and 3 sixes. His innings overshadowed the Australian bowlers, who had no answer to his skill and composure. After a nervy start on Day 3, where he played and missed several times in the 90s, Jaiswal reached his century in spectacular fashion. He ramped a bouncer from Hazlewood over the slip cordon, only for the umpires to review the call and confirm the shot had gone for a six, much to the delight of the crowd.
The opener’s remarkable partnership with KL Rahul (77) ended with the pair putting on 201 runs, a record for India’s highest-ever opening stand in Australia. Jaiswal, however, was unlucky to be dismissed shortly after reaching 150 when he edged a short and wide delivery from Mitchell Marsh to point.
Kohli Shines Under Pressure
As Jaiswal made his way off, it was Kohli’s turn to assert his dominance. The Indian stalwart, who had struggled in the first innings, came out with a point to prove. Kohli had been visibly frustrated earlier in the day, spending much of the first session padded up and ready to bat. But he made crucial adjustments to his stance, which paid off handsomely as he eased into his innings.
Despite Jaiswal’s heroics, Kohli was determined to make his mark. He showcased vintage strokes, including a stunning six over the slip cordon off Mitchell Starc, as he moved towards his 30th Test century. His boundary to deep fine leg brought up the milestone, and the usually composed Kohli couldn’t contain his joy, blowing a kiss to his wife in the stands as he walked off the field after the declaration.
Also read: Kohli and Jaiswal’s Hundreds Set India on Course for Victory as Australia Crumbles on Day 3 in Perth
Bumrah’s Late Onslaught
With a massive total on the board, India’s bowlers wasted no time in taking charge. Jasprit Bumrah, who had already bagged five wickets in the first innings, was at the forefront of India’s late assault. In just 4.2 overs before stumps, he sent back both opening batsmen—Nathan McSweeney (duck) and Pat Cummins (0)—in a sensational spell, which included a devastating delivery that trapped Marnus Labuschagne LBW for a duck.
Bumrah’s remarkable figures of 2 for 1 from 2.2 overs in this spell left Australia reeling, with their hopes of a dramatic chase hanging by a thread.
Australia’s Struggles
Earlier in the day, Australia had looked to make inroads against India’s imposing total but struggled with the changing conditions. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, though initially attacking, couldn’t break through as Jaiswal and Rahul amassed runs. The introduction of the second new ball did little to change the course, with Rahul falling to Starc after a gritty 77.
After Jaiswal’s dismissal, India lost a few quick wickets, but Kohli and debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy’s quickfire batting ensured the declaration came with plenty of time left for their bowlers to work with. Kohli’s century was a reminder of his immense quality, and with Bumrah and Siraj firing, India is well on track for a famous win in Perth.
Also read: Greaves’ Maiden Century Powers West Indies to Dominance over Bangladesh on Day 2 of Antigua Test
What’s Next?
With Australia now staring down the barrel of an enormous challenge, their hopes of salvaging the match lie with a few of their top-order players, though the task seems insurmountable. The third day has undoubtedly belonged to India, with their top order delivering a masterclass and their bowlers capitalizing on a crumbling Australian response.
As the match heads into Day 4, India will look to finish the job and secure a memorable victory, while Australia faces an uphill battle to even make a contest of it.
