A gutsy fightback with the bat by the Indian lower order has presented the visitors with the opportunity of earning a result in the final Test in Brisbane.
With rain expected to hit the Gabba on Monday and Tuesday, India were able to cut the deficit of Australia’s first innings thanks to a spectacular century stand between Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar for the seventh wicket.
Resuming on 62-2 on Sunday, the Australians were able to pick up the big wickets of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane in the morning session.
Josh Hazlewood in particular was hitting the right line and lengths, adding the big scalps of Mayank Agarwal and Rishabh Pant, India slumping to 186-6.
But, that brought Thakur and Sundar to the crease and the pair began playing some exquisite shots that frustrated the home side.
Both players reached their respective half-centuries as India slowly but surely crawled back into the contest.
That’s spicy! A no-look six from Sundar 6️⃣
Live #AUSvIND: https://t.co/IzttOVtrUu pic.twitter.com/6JAdnEICnb
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 17, 2021
Pat Cummins made the all important breakthrough when he knocked over Thakur for 67 before Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc accounted for the quick wickets of Navdeep Saini (5) and Sundar (62). Mohammed Siraj was the last batsman to depart, Hazlewood claiming his fifth wicket and India finishing their innings on 336, trailing Australia by 33 runs.
Openers David Warner and Marcus Harris survived six overs before stumps as Australia ended the day on 21-0, a lead of 54 runs.
