Watch: Umesh Yadav Breathes Fire, Uproots Australia Star's Stumps In Third Test

02.03.2023 - 11:23 sports.ndtv.com

The pace-spin combination of Umesh Yadav and R Ashwin ran through the Australian batting line-up as India clawed their way back into the third Test in Indore on Thursday.

After a rather quiet first hour, when only 30 runs were scored in 16 overs without any wicket, India bowled Australia out 197 as the visitors lost their last six wickets for just 11 runs after starting the day at 156 for four.

Ashwin and Yadav took three wickets each to script India's fightback after a forgettable opening day when the hosts were all out for 109.

Considering the conditions, Australia have done well to take a crucial 88-run first innings lead. Rohit Sharma (5) and Shubman (4) Gill took India to 13 for no loss in four overs at lunch, reducing the deficit to 75 runs.

cricket Australia Cricket Team 2023 Test watch Cameron Green Nathan Lyon Alex Carey Mitchell Starc Peter Handscomb Australia India county Green

The second ODI between India and Australia turned out to be yet another disappointing show from Suryakumar Yadav as the star batter once again got dismissed for a golden duck. In both the matches, it was pacer Mitchell Starc, who got the precious wicket of Surya on the very first delivery. As the powerful T20I batter failed to open his run-tally in both matches, some questions have been raised regarding his spot in the team for the upcoming ODI World Cup. However, veteran wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik backed Suryakumar and came up with an interesting suggestion for the Team management regarding him.

Post Suryakumar Yadav's Twin Ducks, Dinesh Karthik Makes Huge Mitchell Starc Statement

Hailed as the finest T20 batter in the world by many, Suryakumar Yadav finds himself in the line of fire after being dismissed for first-ball ducks in the first and the second ODIs against Australia. It was pacer Mitchell Starc who got the better of him on both occasions. While Surya's form in ODIs is up for debate among fans and experts, veteran wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik doesn't feel Surya's place needs to be scrutinised. In fact, it is Mitchell Starc who earned the ultimate praise from the Indian cricketer, suggesting he is the 'best white-ball pacer in the world'.

Watch: Virat Kohli Disappointed As Suryakumar Yadav Falls In Same Way As 1st ODI

Mitchell Starc was at his best on Sunday as he helped Australia dominate the second ODI against India at YS Raja Reddy Stadium in Visakhapatnam. In the swing-friendly conditions, Australia skipper Steve Smith won the toss and opted to bowl first. India failed to get off to a good start as left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc dismissed Shubman Gill on the third ball of the first over. Before India could make a recovery, Starc also got the wicket of Rohit Sharma to put the hosts in more trouble. The misery did not end for India as Starc dismissed Suryakumar Yadav on the very next ball. What was interesting to note was the fact that the type of dismissal was the same as the India batter fell to the left-arm pacer in the first ODI.

"We Knew It Was Going To Be Tough Bowling To Virat Kohli": Australia Star's Huge Statement

Virat Kohli is not someone who would miss a chance to score a 'daddy hundred' on a decent batting track and, on Sunday, he showed how to do it, said Australia wicket-keeper Alex Carey. Kohli scored 186 in India's 571 as the fourth Test entered the fifth day and Australia need to bat out two sessions well to eke out a draw. "No surprise, he (Kohli) got in a decent batting track and went big and showed how to do it really. He's a class player and he didn't give us a chance really," Carey said at the end of the fourth day's play. "We knew it was going to be tough bowling to Virat. We were able to contain him as much as we could and try to take wickets around him," Carey added.

"There Was A Thought": Ex-India Star Identifies Unlikely Hero For Visitors In Indore Test

Former India opener Aakash Chopra pointed out the reasons behind India's defeat against Australia in the third Test encounter in Indore and even identified an ‘unlikely' hero of sorts for the visitors. The former cricketer was all praise for Umesh Yadav who thrilled everyone with his brand of fast bowling in the first innings. Umesh was in fiery form as he claimed three wickets and was able to produce pace on a wicket that completely supported the spinners. Chopra also lauded Ravichandran Ashwin for his bowling but was critical of a few batters including Shreyas Iyer for their shot selections on the wicket.

"It's A Shocker...": Ex-Australia Star Rips Apart Third India-Australia Test Pitch

The pitch for the third India-Australia Test match in Indore is making all the wring noises. In the first two days, 30 wickets fell on the rank turner. India could manage only 109 and 163 in their two innings while Australia scored 197 in the first innings. Australia chased down the target easily to enter the World Test Championship final.This has been the story of the the Test series so far, however, this time India seems to be falling prey to the pitch's whimsical behaviour. Former Australian pacer Michael Kasprowicz was scathing in his analysis of the pitch.