3rd Test
Day-4 Morning Session Highlights:
Australia team has maintained their dominance despite KL Rahul’s resolute innings
At The Lunch of Day-4:
India scored 167/6 (1st Innings), where as Australia scored 445 (1st Innings).
So, finally India Trail by 278 runs.
Australia continued to press for victory on the fourth morning of the Brisbane Test, despite significant time lost due to weather disruptions.
By Lunch on Day 4, India were six wickets down for 167, still 79 runs short of the target required to force Australia to bat again, which India hoped could buy them more time to salvage the match.
KL Rahul, the biggest challenge to Australia’s progress, was dismissed for a well-made 84 just before the interval.
The dismissal came via a brilliant diving catch at slip by Steve Smith, who had earlier put down a more straightforward opportunity off Pat Cummins on the first ball of the day.
The day started under relatively clear skies, but India’s concerns mounted early when Rahul played away from his body to a wide, full delivery from Cummins.
However, he was given some reprieve when Smith’s fielding error allowed him to add to his overnight score of 33.
Rahul, otherwise, played with composure, making good decisions and executing well-timed shots throughout his innings.
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma struggled against Cummins, who delivered a testing five-over spell early in the session, repeatedly targeting a good length just outside off stump.
Cummins eventually got the better of Rohit, who edged a short ball to the keeper after being lured into an expansive drive.
There were no such mistakes from Rahul, who selectively played only the fuller deliveries, favoring square drives and on-drives over expansive shots.
Alongside Ravindra Jadeja, Rahul found his rhythm as the Kookaburra ball softened after 30 overs.
With Jadeja providing steady support, Rahul reached 50 and looked set for a century before a cut shot off Nathan Lyon was brilliantly caught by Smith at slip, ending a promising 67-run partnership.
Despite their dominant position, Australia suffered a setback when Josh Hazlewood left the field after delivering just one over in the session due to injury.
This meant Nathan Lyon and Cummins had to shoulder a heavier workload, with Cummins bowling 11 overs in the session.
The rain interruption also briefly provided some relief.
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