IND vs AUS: Ravindra Jadeja ends Usman Khawaja's splendid knock in final session on Day 1

India have been pushed onto the backfoot on the first day of the third Test against Australia at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore. Captain Rohit Sharma won his first toss of the series and elected to bat first. However, the decision backfired as India were bundled out for just 109 in the second session.

In reply, Australian batters showed great application and frustrated Indian bowlers on a pitch that had immense assistance for the spinners. Opener Usman Khawaja once again rose to the occasion and played a splendid knock and scored a brilliant 60 to help his team to surpass India’s total. 

He was finally dismissed in the final session by Ravindra Jadeja as he attempted his trademark sweep shot only to find Shubman Gill at deep square leg. It was Jadeja’s third wicket of the day; however, Khawaja had done his job by giving a good start to his side.

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05:16 PM · Mar 01, 2023

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The Southpaw also scored a spectacular 81 in the first innings of the second Test in Delhi and has carried his form in the third Test. 

Earlier in the day, India were left bamboozled by the spin duo of Nathan Lyon and Matthew Kuhnemann. After Rohit Sharma survived twice in the first over bowled by Mitchell Starc, Kuhnemann came to Australia’s rescue and sent the Indian captain back into the pavilion by getting him out stumped.

Matthew Kuhnemann's fifer bundled out India cheaply

He further dismissed Shubman Gill seven runs later to give India their second blow. Nathan Lyon also got into the act quickly and got rid of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ravindra Jadeja as India went from 34/1 to 45/5 within five overs. Kuhnemann finished his spell on 5/16 in nine overs, while Lyon picked up 3/35 in 11.2 overs. As a result, India were bundled out for 109 in under 34 overs. 

Australia finished the Day 1 on 156/4 with a 47-run lead in the first innings. Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne steadied the Australian ship after they lost Travis Head in the second over. The duo were involved in a 96-run stand which brought Australia to just one run short of India’s first innings total.

All four wickets were picked for India by Ravindra Jadeja, who continued his outstanding form in the series. Team India will have to bowl out of their skin to make a comeback in the Test on Day 2.