The fourth Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) resumed on Day 3 at 10:30 AM IST (4:00 AM GMT). India began the day at 164/5, trailing Australia’s first-innings total of 474 by 310 runs. The overnight batsmen, Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja, faced a formidable challenge against a disciplined Australian bowling attack.
Early in the session, India suffered a setback when Rishabh Pant, after scoring 28, attempted an ambitious scoop shot off Scott Boland, only to be caught by Nathan Lyon at third man. This dismissal left India at 192/6, intensifying the pressure on the lower-middle order.
Ravindra Jadeja, known for his resilience, partnered with debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy to stabilize the innings. However, Jadeja’s stay was cut short when he was adjudged lbw to Nathan Lyon for 17, leaving India at a precarious 221/7.
By lunch, India had progressed to 244/7, with Reddy and Sundar’s partnership crossing the 50-run mark. This stand was crucial in narrowing the deficit and providing the Indian innings with much-needed stability.
The MCG pitch, offering consistent bounce and carry, posed challenges for the batsmen, but Reddy and Sundar’s application was commendable. Their ability to rotate the strike and capitalize on scoring opportunities kept the scoreboard ticking, ensuring that the Australian bowlers had to work hard for breakthroughs.
As the session progressed, the partnership between Reddy and Sundar continued to flourish, with both batsmen displaying a blend of caution and aggression. Their efforts were instrumental in reducing the deficit and providing India with a fighting chance to match Australia’s substantial first-innings total.
The afternoon session promised further intriguing cricket, with India aiming to build on the foundation laid by Reddy and Sundar. The Australian bowlers, on the other hand, sought to break this partnership and gain a decisive advantage in the match.
In summary, the morning session of Day 3 witnessed a resilient fightback by India’s lower order, with Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar leading the charge. Their partnership was pivotal in steering India towards a more secure position in the Test match.