Ind vs Aus 3rd Test: Captain Smith Gives Aussies the Edge

On the Boxing Day when two test matches started, Indian bowlers restricting Aussies at MCG to 259/5 appear the best bowling line up in the world, considering how Brendum McCullum and Co piled 429/7 in 80.3 overs against Sri Lanka at Christchurch. At Stumps, Captain Smith has again given Australia the edge as they have 6 more batsmen who can hit Indian bowlers at will.

2014-2015 Indian Tour of Australia: Schedule

Electing to bat first, Aussies got a shock when Warner failed to open his account as Umesh Yadav made him give a catch to Dhawan in slips in the second over. Chris Rogers (57) continued his regained form scoring another half-century adding 114 runs for 2nd wicket in the company of Shane Watson (52)) whose half-century would big relief for him as well as Aussies. Both went on same score of 115 runs in consecutive overs by Shami and Ashwin.

But, then came India’s biggest challenge Steven Smith, the captain in the company of Shaun Marsh, India’s easiest prey in this series so far. Unfortunately for Indian bowlers who had a very tight spell, even Marsh (32) added 59 runs and kind of got back his form before Shami had him caught behind.

Debutant Burns was then caught behind at 13 runs becoming Yadav’s 2nd victim. Another easy preay for India in this series, Brad Haddin couldn’t be hunted as he (23*) remained unbeaten with Captain Smith (72*) adding unbeaten 43 runs for the 6th wicket.

Australia could score only 259 runs in 90 overs at a run rate below 3. But India would be looking at a tall total now considering they were able to grab only 5 wickets.

Will Indian batsmen learn from the weak Australian batting and stay longer at least when they come to bat in the first innings!!

For Indian bowlers, Ishant remained wicketless at 0/54 in 21 overs apart from part-timer Vijay who bowled 5 overs for 14 runs. Umesh (2/69 in 20 overs), Shami (2/55 in 17 overs) and Ashwin (1/60 in 27 overs) were the successful bowlers. Dhoni was responsible for 3 of the 5 dismissals.

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