Perth: Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal provided the defining moments of Day 3 in the first Test at Optus Stadium, as India established a commanding position, extending their lead to 522 runs.
By stumps on Sunday, Australia had been reduced to 12/3 in their second innings, facing an almost impossible task of chasing 534 runs for victory.
The day belonged to India’s two star batsmen. Jaiswal, on his debut tour to Australia, played a sensational knock of 161, which not only marked his arrival in international cricket but also anchored India’s mammoth total. His innings, which included 15 boundaries and 3 sixes, was a fine display of both technical ability and flair.
Jaiswal's partnership with KL Rahul (77) was particularly important, as the two put on a record-breaking 201-run stand for the opening wicket, the highest-ever opening partnership for India in Australia.
Jaiswal’s innings was a mixture of elegance and aggression, as he effortlessly maneuvered the Australian bowlers around the park. His knock took India to a strong position, laying the foundation for the team’s declaration. The breakthrough came when Mitchell Starc dismissed Rahul for 77, but by then, Jaiswal had already done his job in a big way.
The Australian bowlers did manage to pick up some quick wickets following lunch. Hazlewood claimed the wicket of Devdutt Padikkal (25), while Nathan Lyon cleverly stumped Rishabh Pant (1), leaving the visitors at 321/5. Pat Cummins then dismissed Dhruv Jurel (1), but India’s dominance remained unchallenged, as they steadily built their lead.
As the innings progressed, all eyes were on Kohli, who had been under pressure in recent times following a dip in form. He responded in resounding fashion, bringing up his 80th Test century in a composed knock of 100*, much to the delight of his fans.
The hundred not only silenced his critics but also ensured that India remained firmly in the driver’s seat. His joy was palpable as he celebrated the milestone with his wife, Anushka Sharma, in the stands, while the spectators at Optus Stadium gave him a rapturous ovation.
The partnership between Kohli and Nitish Reddy (38*) extended India’s lead further before captain Jasprit Bumrah made the decision to declare, leaving Australia with an imposing task ahead.
India’s declaration came at 487/6, with Kohli’s century providing a psychological boost heading into the final stages of the match.
Australia’s response was nothing short of disastrous. With the pitch beginning to show signs of wear and tear, the Indian bowlers took full advantage. Bumrah, in particular, was in scintillating form, as he trapped debutant McSweeney (0) LBW in the first over of Australia’s second innings.
Bumrah followed that up with the crucial wicket of Marnus Labuschagne (3) in the fourth over, a delivery that kept low and left Labuschagne offering no shot, the ball clattering into the stumps.
Mohammed Siraj, who has been in excellent rhythm throughout the match, joined the party by dismissing Australian captain Pat Cummins (2). The delivery was well-directed, and Kohli at second slip made no mistake in taking the catch.
At 12/3, Australia is left with an almost impossible task, needing 522 runs to win with seven wickets in hand. The Australian batters, struggling to cope with the unpredictable bounce of the pitch, face an uphill battle as the match heads into its final stages.
India will now look to capitalise on their dominant position. With the pitch continuing to misbehave and Australia’s top order already in disarray, the match seems to be slipping out of Australia’s hands.
India’s pace attack, led by Bumrah, will be keen to finish the job on Day 4. The focus now shifts to whether Australia can produce a miraculous recovery or if India will seal a dominant victory and take a 1-0 lead in the series.
