Australia made a stunning comeback after lunch on Day 3, taking four quick wickets and shifting the balance of the game in their favor. It all began with their fiery pace attack, which struck with deadly precision after the break. Up until that point, India had been in a relatively strong position, but Australia’s bowlers applied relentless pressure to dismiss key Indian batters in quick succession.
The pivotal moment came just after lunch when Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, who had been building pressure throughout the session, capitalized on the fresh ball. Starc, in particular, was aggressive, using his inswinging deliveries to trouble the Indian batsmen. His first breakthrough was a sharp delivery that moved in late, catching the edge of a batter’s bat and sending him back to the pavilion.
Following that, Hazlewood joined the action. He was unrelenting with his line and length, and it wasn’t long before he claimed a wicket, dismissing an Indian batter who had looked comfortable up until that point. The Australian quicks worked together to keep the pressure mounting, making the most of the conditions. The pitch, which had shown some signs of wear, was offering bounce and swing, ideal for the fast bowlers.
What followed was a collapse of sorts in the Indian middle order. The wickets began to tumble quickly, as batsmen struggled to cope with the high pace and movement from Australia’s seamers. Even experienced players like Ajinkya Rahane, who had been solid, fell to well-directed deliveries. It was evident that Australia’s strategy of keeping the ball in the right areas was paying off as the Indian batsmen were unable to withstand the barrage.
The Australian attack was complemented by some sharp fielding, including an outstanding stumping by wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who was alert and quick behind the stumps. These all-round contributions from the team turned the game on its head, as India’s promising position began to unravel.
Australia’s bowling performance after lunch has once again highlighted the importance of their pacers in Test matches. While Nathan Lyon’s spin was crucial in the morning session, it was the pace bowlers who made the difference in the afternoon. As the day wore on, the Perth pitch started to show more signs of cracks and uneven bounce, making batting increasingly difficult. The Australian seamers were able to take advantage of these conditions, especially after the second new ball was taken, which added to the excitement and intensity of the contest.
India, who had been building a strong total, were suddenly on the back foot, with their score dropping from a healthy 343/5 to a much less commanding position. The wickets that fell were critical to breaking their momentum, and with the Australian bowlers in top form, it was clear that India would need to regroup quickly to avoid further damage.
Australia’s performance after lunch was a clear demonstration of their ability to seize control of a game when it matters most. With their pace attack in full flow, the quick succession of wickets left India in a precarious position. The ability to adapt to the conditions, utilize the seam and bounce, and maintain relentless pressure proved crucial. As the Indian batters looked to counterattack, Australia’s bowlers proved that with the right mix of aggression and accuracy, they could turn the game around in a matter of overs, setting the stage for an intriguing final session.
This session proved how quickly fortunes can change in Test cricket. Just when it seemed like India could push towards a commanding total, Australia showed their resilience, proving once again why they are one of the best teams in the world, particularly in their home conditions.
In the coming sessions, India will need to show discipline and patience if they are to rebuild their innings and get back into the game. But with Australia firing on all cylinders, it promises to be an exciting and fiercely contested finish to Day 3. The way Australia responded after lunch underlines their strength as a team, and they will look to press home their advantage in the final stages of the day’s play.