Australia strengthen their grip

[Image Source: AFP]

Australia played some clinical cricket on the fourth day to find them in a favourable position to win the third test match. Even if they cannot win it they will find it difficult to lose it.

The day started in the manner they would have liked to. There was a loss of 80 minutes due to bad weather but Australia did not waste much time to pick up the last 2 Indian wickets. They got the last 2 wickets of India with the addition of 3 more runs to the overnight score of 462/8. And after the end of first two innings of the match Australia managed to secure a crucial lead of 65 runs. Coming on to bat, the Aussies made a solid start, thanks to Chris Rogers and David Warner. Even after Warner (40) had gone Rogers carried on till he got out for a personal score of 69. It was yet another failure for Watson for he got out for 17 only. And once again it seemed that India had got the home team under pressure. Steve Smith also got out cheaply trying to leg glance of his pads as a sharp catch was taken by Rahane standing at the leg slip position. It was some disciplined bowling from India but somehow the Australians managed to loosen the grip and emerged on top at the end of the day’s play. At stumps Australia’s score reads 261/7 and they lead by 326 runs with 3 wickets still remaining in hand.

[image source: AP]

India had a decent day with the red cherry in hand but like the previous instances could not make use of that pressure. However to force a result in their favour the prime target for the Indians is getting the last 3 wickets of the Australian innings as early as possible after the start of the final day’s play. Then they need to chase down whatever target that would be set. If they lose it won’t cost much for they are already trailing by 2-0 in the series. But if they can there will still be a chance to make a comeback into the series. Let’s just wait and watch as an intriguing day of test match cricket awaits us tomorrow at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

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About Argha Ghosh

An ardent follower of sports and die-hard Manchester United fan, Argha's ultimate dream is to watch a Manchester derby from the Stretford End at the Old Trafford.