WTC 2023 Final: Play of the day from AUS vs IND Test, Day 3

Day 3 of the World Test Championship final (WTC) 2023 was quite a positive one for the Indian team. Ajinkya Rahane and Shardul Thakur further carried the Indian innings as the Rohit Sharma-led side lost keeper-batter KS Bharat on the very second ball of Day 3. Rahane amassed 89 runs in 129 deliveries, whereas Thakur scored 51 runs in 109 balls. 

Their knocks helped India notch up a respectable total on the board, as the Aussies soon came in to bat with a lead of 173 runs. With David Warner and Usman Khawaja taking guard, India’s bowling attack struck early, and the play of the day was executed.

David Warner, who looked to be in good touch in the first innings and amassed 43 runs off 60 balls, failed to make a lasting impact in the second innings of the game.

On the third ball of the fourth over of the second innings, the delivery seemed to angle away from Warner, and as the veteran batter attempted to force it off the back foot, the thick edge saw the delivery land straight into the hands of wicketkeeper KS Bharat as India struck early and claimed the first wicket. 

India notch up 296 runs in their first innings of the WTC final

The Indian team got off to a horrid start with the bat in their first innings. Openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill were dismissed cheaply for 15 and 13 runs, respectively. Furthermore, Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara’s early dismissals added fuel to the fire, as both batters were sent back to the pavilion for 14 runs each.

Star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja did play a counter-attacking knock under pressure on Day 2, amassing 48 runs in 51 deliveries. Ajinkya Rahane and Shardul Thakur’s valiant knocks helped India dodge a possible follow-on and helped the side post 269 runs on the board in the first innings.

Australia skipper Pat Cummins was the highest wicket taker for the Aussies in the first innings; the star pacer took three wickets, dismissing Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, and Umesh Yadav. Furthermore, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Cameron Green took two wickets each, with Nathan Lyon striking once.