Published: Dec 08, 2018, 03:32 PM (IST)
Edited: Dec 08, 2018, 03:32 PM (IST)
India built a strong 166-run lead on Day Three thanks to Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli’s 71-run partnership for the third wicket before openers KL Rahul and Murali Vijay provided the tourists a strong start in their second dig of the first Test at Adelaide on Saturday.
DAY THREE REPORT: Cheteshwar Pujara takes India’s lead to 166 on engrossing, stop-start day
After bowling out Australia for 235 with Mohammed Shami taking two wickets of Travis Head (72) and Josh Hazlewood (0) to leave him on a hat-trick in Australia’s second innings, India will look to stretch their lead to an upwards of 250 leaving the hosts to bat on a deteriorating pitch.
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India icon Sachin Tendulkar, who earlier admitted that he was surprised to see Australia’s defensive mindset in their first innings, feels the visitors are in the driver’s seat and all set to win the series opener.
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“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, who played his first match against Australia in 1991, tweeted.
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India were in an ominous position before Nathan Lyon broke the impending Kohli-Pujara partnership just before stumps after the Indian captain jabbed one to Aaron Finch at short-leg.
Pujara, the centurion in the first innings, however was rock solid for his unbeaten 40 off 127 with new batsman Ajinkya Rahane on 1.
