IND vs AUS: Axar Patel's heroic batting effort contributes to India's domineering win in Nagpur

The Day 3 of the first Test in Nagpur began with India in a very dominant position. After the first session of play, India had a massive lead of 223 runs thanks to all-rounder Axar Patel's stunning 84-run contribution and Mohammed Shami's entertaining cameo. 

The left-handed batter came out to bat when India's lead was just above 50 and remained determined to stitch crucial partnerships with Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj. 

Jadeja couldn't survive long on Day 3 and lost his wicket to a good delivery by Todd Murphy, which he misread. Mohammed Shami joined Axar Patel at the crease and kept the crowd entertained by hitting two sixes in Murphy's over, which also resulted in a fifty-run partnership between the two. Nevertheless, the debutant had the last laugh when he removed Shami for a well-made 37 off 47 balls with two fours and three sixes in his subsequent over. 

Axar then stitched a vital 20-run partnership with Mohammed Siraj and took India's lead over 220 but was bowled by Pat Cummins as India's innings ended with a total of 400 on the board with Axar getting out after facing over 170 deliveries. 

How did Australia's second innings pan out?

India won the game comfortably in the afternoon after bowling the visitors out for just 91 within 33 overs. Ashwin took a fifer and was all over the Australian batters and also received support from all the other bowlers. India completed a massive victory with an innings and 132 runs and take the lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India will need to win atleast two more Tests in this series in order to ensure their place in the World Test Championship Final. On the other hand, Australia need to win or draw a Test match to ensure their place in the WTC final. 

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