India in driver's seat, all set to take the series-opener away: Sachin Tendulkar

In recent times, watching India dominate outside the subcontinent has become a rare phenomenon. More often than not, the results have gone against them. However, the ongoing first Test against Australia in Adelaide is headed in an opposite direction. Virat Kohli & Co. were pretty much in the driver’s seat when the third day of the game concluded. India were 151 for 3 at stumps, thus extending their overall lead to 166.

The day began on a disappointing note for either of the teams as rain caused a 45-minute delay. But once the players took the field, there was absolutely no dearth of action. Jasprit Bumrah gave India the much-needed early breakthrough by dismissing Mitchell Starc. Travis Head, who top-scored for Australia with 72, and Nathan Lyon then frustrated the visitors before Mohammed Shami sent back Lyon and Josh Hazlewood on consecutive deliveries to fold up Australia for 235.

KL Rahul and Murali then gave India a rare good start. The opening duo mixed caution with aggression to swell India’s lead. While Vijay was finding it tough to get going, Rahul was looking in his element. The duo went on to add 63 runs for the opening wicket before Starc removed Vijay for 18. 13 runs later, Rahul departed too after playing an impressive inning of 44 off 67 deliveries. 

Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara then joined hands in the middle and kept the Australian attack at bay. At one stage, it looked like the two would take India to stumps. However, Kohli, who was looking in solid touch, squeezed a catch to short-leg. His dismissal ended the 71-run stand for the third wicket. Pujara, on the other hand, remained firm and along with Ajinkya Rahane and ensured that India does not lose any more wicket.

India in driver’s seat

Team India is leading the game by 166 runs with seven wickets in hand, legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar feels the visitors are well on top. The former India batsman said that Australia will have a chance to pull back things only if they do well with the ball on the fourth morning.

“As of now, India is in the driver’s seat and all set to take the game away. Australia need to bowl well in the first session tomorrow to stay in the game, otherwise they go to the next Test down 1-0,” Tendulkar tweeted.

~Written by Bijoy

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