WTC 2023 Final: Virat Kohli-Cheteshwar Pujara's slip catch 'blunder' gives Alex Carey another chance to add to India's bowling woes

India are in a precarious situation in the World Test Championship final 2023 as Australia have set a massive target of 444 runs to chase in the fourth innings. Australia resumed their innings on 123/4 with a lead of 296 runs on Day 4. India started well on the day as Umesh Yadav got the prized scalp of Marnus Labuschagne as he got him out caught at first slip.

However, following his wicket India failed to make the most of the opportunity presented to them as Cameron Green (25) and Alex Carey added 43 runs for the sixth wicket to extend the lead beyond 350. To make matters worse for India, Mitchell Starc also piled on the agony with his brilliant knock of 41 (57).

After Lunch, India got presented with an opportunity as Umesh Yadav managed to find the outside edge of Carey’s bat. However, the ball went between Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara at first and second slip with no fielder going for the catch.

Best Fielding Kohli & Pujara 🤣

Evado Okadu Patti Undochu Kadha

Ra 🙂 Swami#WTCFinal2023 #AUSvsIND pic.twitter.com/4k6PsjexrO

— Hari Tarak (@AswiniHari143) June 10, 2023

After getting a reprieve, Carey won to score a magnificent 66* and added 93 runs for the seventh wicket with Mitchell Starc to stretch Australia’s lead past 400. Following Starc’s dismissal, Captain Pat Cummins came out with full intent and attacked right from the word go. He scored run-a-ball five and declared the innings after his dismissal with Australia on 270/8d.

Ravindra Jadeja finished as the pick of the bowlers for India in the second innings with figures of 3/58 in 23 overs.

India once again in trouble in the fourth innings

In the fourth innings, Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill came out with positive intent and added 41 runs for the first wicket. However, Gill got dismissed courtesy of another breathtaking catch by Cameron Green. Rohit (43) also departed after getting set at the crease trying to sweep Nathan Lyon.

Cheteshwar Pujara (27) was batting positively but got trying to uppercut a bouncer from Pat Cummins leaving India reeling at 93/3 needing 351 more runs to win.