While India was bowled out for 163 runs in the second innings and has set a goal of 76 runs for the visitors to reach, Australia continues to hold a firm lead in the current third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Veteran spinner Nathan Lyon performance has been crucial for the visitors.
Nathan Lyon, 35, was exceptional once more, taking eight wickets while also giving up 64 runs. The seventh time Lyon claimed a wicket and destroyed the Indian batting order, he also broke the record for most five-wicket hauls against India.
With his fifer, Lyon surpassed the great spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, who was the owner of eight five-wicket hauls against India. In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he also surpassed Anil Kumble’s previous record for most wickets taken.
Australia’s relentless bowling attack proves to be too much for India to handle.
India only managed to score 163 runs in the second innings, despite a better effort than they had in the first. When his team most needed him, Cheteshwar Pujara stepped up following the early dismissals of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill.
Pujara’s amazing 59-run innings gave India a chance to win the match. Shreyas Iyer appeared to be in fantastic flow, but Usman Khawaja’s outstanding catch resulted in his dismissal. Australia needs 76 runs to defeat India in the third Test as Day 3 draws near.
If the hosts are to have any chance of winning the game, their bowling lineup must perform well under duress. Being India’s greatest bets, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja will need to bowl at the top of their game once more.
India has already won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and needs one more victory to get to the World Test Championship finals (or else they will have to rely on other outcomes). The Oval will host the final beginning on June 7.
India
