IND vs AUS: Virat Kohli Smashes First Test Fifty in a Year, India trail by 191 runs
IND vs AUS: India are trailing by 191 runs on Day 3
Some blissful news came on Day 3 as it became the day of firsts. The star opening batter Shubman Gill fetched his maiden home Test hundred, which was followed by Virat Kohli scoring his first Test fifty in a year or so.
The last session of the day saw India getting a firm grip over the Test match despite them batting slowly in phases. At stumps on Day 3, the Indians have got to 289 with seven wickets still in hand.
Past took Relay from Future
IND vs AUS: Kohli had a 58-run stand with Gill (AP Photo)
Kohli, who survived a couple of close shaves in the second session, suddenly started finding the middle of the blade as soon as the last session began. He joined forces with the centurion Gill and took the attack to the Australians.
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Nothing was going in favour of the visitors as the Indian past and the country's future batting sensation were taking singles & doubles on will and were notching timely boundaries as well. The new ball was also not available anytime soon, but out of nowhere, Nathan Lyon snapped Gill's wicket with a beautiful delivery.
The opener batter tried overturning the decision on DRS, but nothing went in his favour as he was caught in the crease to an off-break that hit him on the back-foot. India lost the centurion with the score reading 245/3.
Kohli Befriended Jadeja in Ahmedabad
IND vs AUS: Jadeja (16*) & Kohli (59*) will resume as two unbeaten batters on Day 4
After Gill's dismissal, Australia could have gotten an edge over the home team, considering Kohli's lack of form in the longest format. However, the legendary batter batted with like he used to bat before the pandemic. The partnership of Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja was all about rose petals and fragrance.
The duo complimented each other by not allowing the Aussie spinners dominate them. Jadeja, for instance, was trying to play the left-arm spin of Matthew Kuhnemann as much as he can, while Kohli was playing his part against the two off-spinners.
Australians, too, took extra time in taking the second new ball, which allowed the former Indian skipper to amass his first Test half-century after January, 2022.
At stumps on Day 3, Kohli is batting at 59 not out and Jadeja is holding the forte from the other end with his 54-ball 16*.
Talking Points
Virat Kohli, who survived three close shaves on the four deliveries faced in the last session, used his mental toughness to a great extent as he literally got nothing to beat his blade through the third session.
Steve Smith, surprisingly, delayed taking the second new ball in the fag-end of the day's play, and when he eventually took it, he underused Mitchell Starc with it; giving him just a single-over spell despite him getting swing in the air.
Brief Score
India 1st Innings: 289/3 (99)
Shubman Gill 128 (235), Virat Kohli 59* (128), Ravindra Jadeja 16* (54)
Nathan Lyon - 1/75 (37)
India trail by 191 runs.
 "Arjun Bhalla")
