Virat Kohli recorded his 25th Test century, but India failed to overhaul Australia’s first innings score on day three of the second Test in Perth before a middle-order collapse swung the Test back in India’s favour.
Ajinkya Rahane didn’t add to his overnight score, as he was caught behind by Tim Paine off the bowling of Nathan Lyon for 51. Kohli pressed on to record a historic 25th Test century, reaching the mark off 214 balls with 11 fours.
Kohli had support from Rishabh Pant (36) and Hanuma Vihari (20), but the tail fell away as India were bowled out for 283 off 105.5 overs. Kohli was the sixth wicket to fall with the score on 251, his innings coming to an end with his score on 123 off 257 balls (13×4, 1×6).
Nathan Lyon was the hero with the ball as he picked up his 14th Test five-for, recording figures of 34.5-7-67-5 (econ 1.92). Lyon was well supported by Mitchell Starc (2-79) and Josh Hazlewood (2-66).
Marcus Harris and Aaron Finch built on Australia’s first innings lead with an opening stand of 33, before Finch retired hurt after a breezy 25 off 30 balls with five fours. Harris was bowled by Jasprit Bumrah for 20 off 56 balls with the score on 59, and a Mohammed Shami-inspired middle-order collapse saw Australia reduced to 120-4 when Travis Head was caught by Ishant Sharma off Shami for 19 off 49 balls.
Usman Khawaja played a stabilising innings to keep Australia in with a chance to pose a challenging target for India, ending the day undefeated on 41 off 102 balls (5×4), with Paine on eight not out. Australia will resume on the fourth morning with their score on 132-4, with a lead of 175 runs and with six second-innings wickets in hand.
Mohammed Shami ended the day with figures of 2-23, while Sharma (1-33) and Bumrah (1-25) picked up the other wickets to fall.
Photo: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
