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WTC Final | 'India's First Target Would Be To ...': Sunil Gavaskar Sets India's Immediate Goal for Day 3

image-lio2olczSrikar Bharat and Ajinkya Rahane remained unbeaten at stumps on Day 2 [Source: Twitter]

Day 2 of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2023 was a moving day, where Australia and India battled hard to gain a sizeable edge over the other team. While India managed to gain initial momentum, bundling out Australia for 469 from 327 for 3, Pat Cummins and Co. had the final laugh by stumps.

Indian batting failed to settle in the middle and were found wanting on a surface that was still behaving well. Heading into stumps, India were 151 for 5, with Srikar Bharat and Ajinkya Rahane batting on 5* and 29*, respectively, trailing Australia by 318.  

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, however, made it clear what India's first plan on Day 3 should be, which is to go past the follow-on score (269). Speaking to Star Sports, the former opener stated that Australia won't enforce the follow-on, rekindling their memories from the epic Eden Gardens Test from 2001.

Here's what Gavaskar said

"What the Australians have seen in 2001 when Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman had that massive partnership. Sorry I am reminding you of that (to Justin Langer). They batted for almost two days. Then India came back on the last day and dismiss Australia to win. And then went on to win the last Test as well. I do not think Australia will entertain any thoughts of giving a follow on. Because if they do, and India bat well. India have the ability. They made some misjudgments. They made some errors.

They were out shouldering some deliveries, getting bowled. They could score some runs like it happened at the Eden Gardens. On the last day when the ball is turning, Ravindra Jadeja can create some magic. So, India's first target would be to get past that score of 269 and try and reduce the lead as much as possible."

For India, Ravindra Jadeja top-scored with counter-attacking 48 off 51, only to get out to Nathan Lyon, just overs before the close of play on Day 2.