Day three of the Boxing Day Test must belong to two individuals – Jasprit Bumrah and Pat Cummins. On the one hand, Bumrah bagged his career-best figures of 6/33, Pat, on the other hand, got Pujara, Kohli and Rahane on 0,0 and one respectively. In a nutshell, India took two sessions home, while Australia dominated the last one. However, at stumps on day three, India’s scorecard read 54/5 with a lead of 346.
India all over Australia on day 3
The third day of the third Test didn’t begin well for the hosts. They first lost the openers Marcus Harris and Aaron Finch, and then surrendered to Bumrah’s majestic bowling spell. In their quest to match India’s first innings total, Australia failed miserably in their efforts. Led by Bumrah’s first six-wicket haul in Tests, Australia’s inning got wrapped up on 151, trailing behind 292 runs.
Furthermore, Jasprit Bumrah broke plenty of records in due course. He not only became the first Asian bowler to pick a five-for in Tests in South Africa, England and Australia in a calendar year, but he also became the bowler with most wickets in Tests (45), so far, in a debut year.
Pat Cummins jolts India’s top-order in the second innings
Virat Kohli, who didn’t enforce a follow-on on the Aussies, asked his batsmen to take guard. However, he mustn’t have thought what is going to unfold later on. Pat Cummins, who has been Kohli’s nemesis in the past, picked four wickets to jolt India’s confidence on day three.
Beginning with make-shift opener, Hanuma Vihari, Cummins got the big fishes in the name of Pujara, Kohli and Rahane. What’s more surprising was that the batsmen got out on 0,0 and one, respectively. However, Rohit Sharma was the last wicket to fall on day three, as India’s scoreboard read 54 for five at stumps, leading by 346 runs.
Brief Scores –
India – 54-5 leads by 346 runs, Mayank Agarwal 28 (79), Pat Cummins: 4-10
Australia – 151-10, Tim Paine 22 (85), Jasprit Bumrah 6-33
Here is how the twitter reacted
The follow on debate will not end but having said that India has enough. Pitch wont get better and India will feel even a 100 batting 4th isn’t worth the risk. Look at it this way: day 3 done and India 350 ahead with 5 wickets in hand. 100 times of 100 India would take it.
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) December 28, 2018
The Cummins wickets might look like a bit of a gift from the Indians, but he had the field set for it.
— Sambit Bal (@sambitbal) December 28, 2018
Cummins bowled to a plan and got his rewards. Bumrah and co will do the same on a worsening pitch. 15 wickets on day 3. 15 tomorrow and its 2-1 India. Australia in it but only just.
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) December 28, 2018
Australia ke liye Pain ,
Jasprit Bumrah this years biggest gain.
What a great effort from India to bowl out Australia for 151.
I pray the weather stays well and India win this MCG Test for the brilliant cricket they have played #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/Oy2vEC7nPF— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) December 28, 2018
Bumrah is the bowling equivalent of the 360 degrees batsman. #AUDvIND #MatchDay
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) December 28, 2018
What a difference Jasprit Bumrah has made. I feel he has made the difference for the Indian attack from being very good to outstanding. 292 is a huge lead and India would be sensing one hand on the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Need to not give Australia a chance pic.twitter.com/GPTjxuEJ8f
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) December 28, 2018