Axar, Shami extend India's lead despite Murphy's seven wickets
Shami, Axar added 52 runs [Associated Press]
India have solidified their position in the ongoing Nagpur Test match. A lot was expected from Australia on morning of the third day, but Axar Patel, combined with the unlikely Mohammad Shami (with the bat) have taken Australia out of the contest.
The wicket hasn't deteriorated and is actually getting better as the game is progressing. Argument could be made that the Aussies haven't bowled according to the conditions and Indian batters took advantage of it.
The only bowler who troubled the batters was Todd Murphy, who persisted with the middle and leg stump line to get something from the rough patch and was rewarded with the wicket of Jadeja, who departed for 70. Murphy delivered an arm ball, outside the off and for some reason, Jadeja decided to leave it. But it came back in with the arm and castled the stumps.
With his wicket, Australia would have hoped to wrap things up quickly, but the advantage of playing Axar at number 9 was clearly visible. He batted in a calm manner and alongside Shami took the game away from the visitors.
Shami took a special liking towards the spinners, tonking Nathan Lyon for a maximum, and smashing Murphy for two biggies in an over.
Shami's fun lasted for 47 balls as he went after Murphy once again, and mistimed his slog to give a simple catch to Alex Carey. Axar played with grit and determination, but missed out on a well deserved century by 16 runs as he got deceived by a Cummins slower ball and the stumps got knocked over.
India were eventually dismissed for exact 400, with a lead of 223 runs.
Talking Points
- Shami goes berserk: You expect Shami to be the main man with the red cherry in hand, but he proved his mettle with the willow as well. Axar needed a partner at the other end when Jadeja departed, and Shami was more than handful, smashing Murphy for two maximums in an over, and rattling the debutant.
- Murphy the star: With Lyon having a rather unforgettable Test, Australia needed a star, and Murphy raised his hand up. He bowled a lovely arm ball to deceive Jadeja and castle his stumps, when the batter was batting at 70.
Expectations
Australia have a mammoth task on their hands. 223 is a big lead on this turning track and the visitors need to bat out of their skins to achieve something from this game. Expect the Indian spinners to wreak havoc in the next session.
Brief Score
India: 400-10 (139.3)
Axar Patel 84 (174), Mohammad Shami 37 (47);
Todd Murphy 7-124 (47), Pat Cummins 2-78 (20.3)
 "Anurag Dasgupta")
