Scintillating performance by India on day 3 after initial hiccups early on in the morning.
India lost quick wickets in Cheteshwar Pujara and Murali Vijay after some persistent bowling by Australia. Vijay was out for 68.
Rahane and Kohli then combined to produce a huge partnership to resuce India from that precarious position to a respectable total.
Early in the innings both Rahane and Kohli were lucky to have got life. Rahane was at his best driving through covers and pulling Johnson all through day.
Batsmen produced some of the best cricket in front of a Sunday crowd at Melbourne Cricket ground.
It was sheer brilliance of the two batsmen that they survived some well directed bowling from Johnson and company. Pacer was hit to all corners of the park by the batsmen showing they were in total command.
Ajinkya Rahane got out lbw trying to sweep Nathan Lyon at the score of 147. The partnership was 262 runs worth for India.
L Rahul the debutant tried to lift Lyon over square leg but was dropped by Siddle at mid-wicket running backwards to take the catch.
On the following delivery the batsman went to sweep Lyon again, giving a simple catch for 3.
Dhoni was out on 11 runs playing a good length ball from Harris edging to the keeper.
Kohli continued on and on and while trying to drive the ball through point edged it to the keeper for well made169 of 271 deliveries the Indian team total read 462/8 at the close of play.
The batsmen showed the intent today and held the innings together and won the day for India.
Ryan Harris proved to be pick of the bowlers picking 4/69. Indian bowling unit could take a cue from the Aussie performance that they made the Indian batsmen earn their runs, survive and score.
It was definitely not easy for the Indian batters. And also besides the fortunate partnership there was little contribution by other batsmen. It is still a worry aspect for India.
Rahane was dropped by Lyon, who reacted a little slow to the shot played back towards the bowler that went through his hands.
Then Kohli edged in the slips but was dropped by Harris. Earlier Haddin pulled of a spectacular catch to bring down Cheteshwar Pujara and then took the catch of Kohli.
So it will India batting again with two wickets remaining on Day 4. It will be interesting to see the team tactics on day 4.
Valleyz.Blog
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