Twitter Reactions: Australia with the upper hand, despite Virat Kohli century

With Virat Kohli’s India trailing by 160 runs, the second Test was well and truly in the balance and a riveting day was expected at the new Perth Stadium. Nevertheless, Australia, courtesy of a five-wicket haul from Nathan Lyon, made sure that they don’t let the visiting team run away with the encounter. By the close of play on the third day, the Aussies are leading by 175 with six wickets left.

Kohli scores big

India resumed the day on 172/3 with Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane as the overnight batsmen. Even as Kohli was on the verge of a century, Rahane played decently with a half-century. In the very first over, off-break bowler Lyon accounted for the latter. Thereafter, Kohli and Hanuma Vihari put their heads down and compiled a stand of 50 runs, after which Josh Hazlewood nipped out Vihari for 20.

Virat carried on in his own merry way and notched his 25th Test century. Nevertheless, he couldn’t carry on and was dismissed for 123 from 257 balls by speedster Pat Cummins. Rishabh Pant played a quick-fire knock of 36 with a couple of fours and a six, however, Lyon removed him as well. The Indian lower-order perished quickly as Lyon went on to pick up his seventh five-wicket haul against India.

Aussies in a strong position  

The visitors were eventually shot out for 283, which also meant that Australia managed a lead of 43 runs going into the second innings. Marcus Harris and Aaron Finch got their team off an impressive start, but Finch had to retire hurt for 25 runs after being hit on the fingers. The first wicket came in the form of left-handed batsman Marcus Harris, who was cleaned up by Jasprit Bumrah for 20 runs.

Shaun Marsh fell prey to pacer Mohammed Shami for five runs. Peter Handscomb smacked three boundaries to score 13. Unfortunately, Ishant pinned him plumb in front. At the other end, Usman Khawaja, who failed in the first three innings of the Test series, put his head down and ended the day at 41 with captain Tim Paine at the other end. Travis Head became Shami’s second victim.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to the day’s play

Get the latest Cricket News and updates, Match Predictions, Fantasy Cricket Tips and lots more on CricTracker.com.