India’s skipper Ajinkya Rahane praised his bowlers as the team dominated day three of the Boxing Day Test match against Australia on Monday. Australia are on the ropes at 133-6 and they only lead by two runs in the second innings. In fact, the pitch was perfect for batting on the third day’s play but the Indian bowlers bowled in the right channels.
All the Indian bowlers took wickets on the third day’s play. Umesh Yadav gave a fine start to the team as he dismissed out-of-form Joe Burns with a peach of a delivery. However, Yadav had to leave the field after he felt discomfort in his leg.
Ravichandran Aswhin got the big wicket of Marnus Labuschagne before the tea break as India put their noses ahead. Bumrah then got the big wicket of Steve Smith and then Ravindra Jadeja struck twice to put his team in the driver’s seat. Siraj continued to impress on his debut as he got the wicket of Travis Head.
Thus, the Indian bowlers were right on the money after they had a lead of 131 runs. The visitors’ bowlers bowled accurately and reaped their rewards against Australia.
Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane has led from the front and he has impressed with his bowling changes and field placements. Rahane stated that it is all about backing your natural instinct as a captain.
Rahane said while talking to the host broadcaster after stumps on day three, “Captaincy is all about backing your instinct. You’ve got to back your gut feeling. Credit to the bowlers, they bowled in the right areas”.
Rahane also scored a fine knock of 112 runs as he played at the top of his game. The right-hander scored the much-needed runs for his team as the side was low on confidence after they were skittled out for 36 runs in the first Test. Rahane looked in complete control throughout his knock and got the team into a commanding position.
Rahane added, “It was really special. Getting a century always is. Still feel that my hundred against England at Lord’s is my best. This game is not over yet, still have to get four more wickets”
Australia currently lead by only two runs and thus they are on the backfoot as they have lost six wickets. India will look to level the series on the penultimate day of the Test match.
