Australia skipper Tim Paine expressed his disappointment after India beat the hosts by 137 runs to go 2-1 up in the four-match series. India have now not only taken an unassailable lead but have also retained the Border-Gavaskar series.
The momentum was firmly in Australia’s favour when the third Test begun. Tim Paine & Co. had thoroughly outplayed the visitors to win the second Test by 146 runs and level the series. However, not much went their way in the third Test as India bounced back in style to win the game in a thumping manner. The writing was very much on the wall when India set the hosts a huge target of 399.
With the pitch not offering any help to the batsmen, Australians had a herculean task in front of them and they failed miserably. Barring Pat Cummins, who scored 63, and Shaun Marsh (44) to some extent, the other Australian batsmen failed to apply themselves on a tough pitch and against a quality bowling line up. They kept on losing wickets at regular intervals and were 5 down for just 137. Later, they found themselves reeling at 215 for 8 on day four. The game would have ended on the penultimate day only but Pat Cummins played a gritty knock to push the game to the final day.
However, it took India just five overs to wrap up the game on day five. After a delayed start due to rain, Jasprit Bumrah accounted for Cummins before Ishant Sharma sent back Lyon to bowl Australia out for just 261.
Speaking after the game, Tim Paine expressed his disappointment and said that the team is now looking forward to the next and last Test in Sydney.
“It’s a bit disappointing. With inexperience batting line-up you are bound to have an innings like we did in the first innings. The guys are working really hard and we have a huge challenge ahead of us in Sydney. The conditions will be different in Sydney. The pitch was very good. After watching the wicket for 2 days I knew pitch will crumble. Pat has been superb all series. We all know what quality he has. He has been fantastic for us. We want more guys to perform like him. It’s been an interesting year, a difficult t year. In the next few months, some World Class players will be available. We have to work really hard to win the new year Test,” Tim Paine said.