Openers KL Rahul and Abhinav Mukund provided India with a much-needed start in the second innings, before Ravindra Jadeja bagged six wickets to wrap Australian innings on 276. However, India remained 35/0 at lunch on day three.

Overcast weather on day three came as a blessing for team India, as they were quick in putting pressure back on the visitors. Australia, who had an overnight score of 237 for six could only add 39 more runs on the board before kneeling down to spinners.

Ravichandran Ashwin provided the first breakthrough in the name of Mitchell Starc on 26. Starc’s wild stride found Ravindra Jadeja in deep mid-wicket. He did make the tough catch look easy. Next on was wicket-keeper Matthew Wade, who was trapped in front of the wicket off Jadeja’s delivery for well made 40.

Though he went for the review, the three red marks on the pitch map shed his hopes and saw him walking back. India seemed to have put the front foot forward, for the day at least. On the very next ball, Nathan Lyon tried to paddle sweep Jadeja’s straightener, which he missed completely and was adjudged LBW on nought.

Josh Hazlewood, the number eleven batsman justified his position in the batting line-up by miscuing a shot to KL Rahul in deep on zero. His wicket saw Jadeja bagging six for an innings and also saw Australia finishing their first innings total on 276.

In reply, openers Vijay and Mukund escaped early danger possessed by Australian bowlers and went on lunch at 38/0 in ten overs. India, after the end of first session trail by 49 runs with all wickets intact.

Brief Score At Lunch On Day 3:

Australia – 276; Shaun Marsh 66(197), Matt Renshaw 60(196), Ravindra Jadeja 6/63

India – 38/0; KL Rahul 20*(29), Abhinav Mukund 16*(31)