Australia Maintains Control on Day 3 as India Struggles to Respond in the Third Test at Gabba

“Australia Extends Lead on Day 3 as India’s Top Order Falters, Leaving Visitors with a Steep Chase”

Brisbane, December 17, 2024: The third Test match between India and Australia at the Gabba continued to showcase Australia’s dominance as they extended their lead and put India under immense pressure on Day 3. After posting an imposing score of 405/7 at the end of Day 2, the Australian tailenders proved difficult to dislodge, with the team ultimately reaching 450/9 before being bowled out. India, in reply, faced a challenging day as their top order faltered, leaving the visitors with a steep uphill task.

Australia’s bowlers capitalized on a pitch showing early signs of wear, while India’s batting lineup was rattled by some quality fast bowling and sustained pressure from the Australian attack. With a substantial first-innings lead, Australia’s confidence continues to grow as they look to push for a decisive victory in the third Test, which will take them one step closer to winning the series.

Australia’s Tailenders Prolong India’s Frustration

Australia resumed their innings on Day 3 at 405/7, with Pat Cummins (27*) and Nathan Lyon (15*) at the crease. The Indian bowlers were determined to make early breakthroughs, knowing the importance of dismissing the tail quickly. However, Cummins and Lyon proved more resilient than expected, adding valuable runs and frustrating the Indian attack.

In the first hour of play, the pair added 45 runs, and Lyon’s tenacity in the middle earned him a crucial 29 runs before he was dismissed by Mohammed Siraj. Cummins, who had been playing cautiously, was eventually the last man to fall, caught by Virat Kohli off Bumrah’s bowling for a well-made 39.

Australia’s total of 450 all out gave them a lead of over 150 runs, an imposing advantage at the Gabba, where the pitch has been increasingly challenging for the batters. With no real resistance from the Indian bowlers, Australia’s confidence soared, knowing that they had the perfect opportunity to strengthen their grip on the match.

India’s Top Order Faces Major Setback

In reply, India’s batsmen faced a daunting task of overcoming the Australian pace attack, which had been consistently probing for weaknesses. The opening partnership of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill had to stand strong to get India off to a steady start, but both fell early under intense pressure.

Rohit Sharma, in particular, was dismissed for just 15 runs, getting caught behind off Pat Cummins’ delivery. His dismissal sent India into early turmoil, and things worsened when Shubman Gill was sent packing for 23 runs, caught by Alex Carey off Josh Hazlewood.

The early dismissals set the tone for India’s innings, and it wasn’t long before Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara were also dismissed cheaply. Kohli, in an uncharacteristic display, was trapped lbw by Mitchell Starc for just 12 runs. Pujara, fighting hard as always, couldn’t escape the onslaught of the Australian pacers and was dismissed for 18 runs, caught by Lyon off Hazlewood.

At 85/4, India’s batting order was in disarray, and the pressure was mounting on the middle and lower order to stave off Australia’s relentless attack.

Australia’s Bowlers Continue to Dominate

The Australian bowlers, led by Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, bowled with a renewed sense of purpose on Day 3. The wicket offered consistent bounce, but the Australian pacers were able to make use of the slightly overcast conditions, using the ball’s movement to trouble the Indian batters.

Pat Cummins, with his ability to move the ball both ways, kept the Indian batsmen on their toes. He finished the day with impressive figures of 2/35, while Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood claimed one wicket each in a joint effort that saw India’s top order collapse.

By the close of Day 3, India was at a precarious 120/5, with Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer at the crease. Both batsmen will need to show resilience and anchor India’s innings if they are to mount a meaningful response to Australia’s formidable total.

Looking Ahead: Can India Stage a Fightback?

India’s hopes now rest heavily on the shoulders of Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer, two of their most dynamic batters. Pant has been in solid form recently and has shown the ability to counterattack, but he will need to play with patience to avoid throwing away his wicket in the face of Australia’s disciplined bowling attack. Iyer, on the other hand, will be looking to build a solid innings and provide stability to a rapidly sinking ship.

For Australia, the mission is clear: dismiss India’s remaining batters as quickly as possible to further their advantage. With a 150-run lead, Australia will be looking to take early wickets on Day 4 and push for a series-defining win.

The Road Ahead

With the game heading into its final two days, the match is finely poised. Australia, having asserted themselves with both bat and ball, will look to consolidate their position and drive towards victory. Meanwhile, India’s middle and lower order face a battle to keep their hopes alive in this crucial Test match.

The third Test promises to be an exciting contest as both teams continue to fight for supremacy in what has already been an enthralling series.

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