India and Australia began the final test match in the 4 game Border- Gavaskar series on Thursday. The series scoreline is reading 2-1 with India winning the first two tests, while Australia won the Indore test. Rohit Sharma is looking to win the test and the series in his first big assignment as the test captain. With a win in Ahmedabad, India will qualify for the finals of the World Test Championships.
The story so far –
Australia won the toss and chose to bat first, on a pitch which had something in it for the fast bowlers early. India, made one change as they got Mohammad Shami to replace Siraj and partner Umesh Yadav with the new ball. KS Bharat kept his place as initial reports of Ishan Kishan’s test debut did not materialize.
Rohit Sharma threatens Kuldeep Yadav –
28 year old left arm wrist spinner, Kuldeep Yadav has been warming the bench for all the 4 games. The left arm spin bowler was busy helping the players with water during the drinks break. While making a quick run back to the pavilion, Kuldeep Yadav dropped the bottle. Rohit Sharma who was standing with Jadeja mockingly threatened to give Kuldeep Yadav a slap.
— rakesh..r (@rakeshreddy142) March 9, 2023
Australia begin strong before India makes a comeback –
Travis Head and Usman Khawaja opened the batting for Australia and added 61 runs in 15.3 overs. Head was dropped by Bharat off Yadav at the early stages of the day. The introduction of Ashwin, saw Head come down the track only to mistime his shot to be caught by Jadeja for 32. Mohammad Shami then struck when he bowled Labuschagne for 3 with the ball starting to reverse.
Jadeja breaks huge stand to break India back into the game –
Steve Smith and Khawaja then frustrated the Indian bowlers by 79 runs for the 3rd wicket. The runs came at snail’s pace as the stand came in nearly 41 overs. The Australian captain had a lapse in concentration as he was bowled by Jadeja for 38. Peter Handscomb then lost his off stump when he was bowled by Shami for 17 to leave Australia at 170/4.