India vs Australia 3rd Test Day 4: resumed the fourth day of the third Test against Australia with an uphill task. They came in at 51/4, still trailing by 394 runs. After a shoddy start on Day 3, the team relied on KL Rahul and captain Rohit Sharma to take the game forward. With the pressure mounting intensely, India seemed all set to fight back hard against the strong grip that Australia had on the game.
India vs Australia 3rd Test Day 4:KL Rahul’s Resilient Knock
KL Rahul batted well and anchored India’s resistance with a well-crafted half-century. He showed incredible patience, making 84 off 139 deliveries. The innings was characterised by good shot selection and a calculated approach against a searing Australian bowling attack. Even though he lost partners at the other end, Rahul composed himself, anchoring the innings, waiting for others to provide support.
The rain played a crucial role in the game, as there were multiple stoppages during Day 3 and the early part of Day 4. This disrupted the momentum of both teams, but Australia capitalized better. Frequent rain breaks allowed India’s batters to regroup but also disrupted their rhythm, making it harder to establish long partnerships.
Rohit Sharma’s Struggle for Form
Rohit Sharma, India’s captain, was under immense pressure as he came out to bat. Australia’s bowlers, particularly Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, tried to test him with sharp deliveries outside off-stump. Rohit could not handle the pace and fell cheaply once again, exposing India’s fragile batting lineup.
Australia’s Commanding Bowling Display
Australia’s bowling attack did brilliance with sustained pace and spin. It was clever variations from Nathan Lyon, which trapped Indian batters, and deliveries of Josh Hazlewood forced them to make mistakes. Steve Smith, who otherwise dropped a catch early into the innings, redeemed his lost catch with a terrific one at slips, dismiss KL Rahul and swung the momentum solidly in favor of the Aussies.
Game-changing Wickets
The batting collapse of India, especially the poor shot selection and weak defense, was the cause of most concern. The dismissal of Virat Kohli, who edged a wide delivery outside off-stump, hurt India the most. His wicket exposed India’s lower middle order early, which placed additional responsibility on all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy.
India, though losing wickets, got some respite through Ravindra Jadeja. The partnership with KL Rahul had briefly raised hope before Rahul’s dismissal. Jadeja batted in a determined manner knowing the fact that India had to bat till the end of the day to avoid follow on.
Aggressive Australia
Australia continued the aggressive approach, attacking with placements for wickets. Its bowlers maintained a tight line and length, forcing India into defensive mode. With runs on board, Australia’s flexibility has allowed them to experiment with tactics and press for wickets.
Only Way Forward for India
India’s immediate aim was to deny the Aussies the follow-on by going past 251 runs. That target looked daunting enough but was within reach given some steady partnerships and the right amount of calculated risk-taking. India also eyed rain interruptions, which provided a window to get away with a draw and bounce back for the Boxing Day Test.
India faced a stern test of character, relying on experienced players to lead their fightback. Australia’s dominance, backed by disciplined bowling and sharp fielding, left India on the brink, with survival resting on a determined rearguard effort.
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