India chip away at Australia’s lead after Shubman Gill century in final Test

The fourth Test could be heading towards a draw after exciting opener Shubman Gill blasted a superb century to push India to 289-3 at stumps on day three against Australia.

After starting Saturday on 36-0, India had few problems handling the best batting pitch of the series and went about chipping away at Australia’s 480 in Ahmedabad. Gill’s 128, a career-best score and his second Test ton, allowed the hosts to settle in and bat in good conditions to trail Australia by 191.

In another boost for the fans at the colossal Narendra Modi Stadium, Indian icon Virat Kohli made a welcome return to form to end a 15-innings drought without a Test fifty.

Kohli (59 not out) will resume batting with allrounder Ravindra Jadeja (16no) on day four and the former India captain will be desperate to score his first Test century since making 136 against Bangladesh back in 2019.

Gill, one of the most talented batters India has produced in recent times, translated his brilliant white-ball form into the Test arena.

Despite smashing three ODI tons this year, the 23-year-old was left out of the first two Tests against Australia as India selectors opted to retain KL Rahul as captain Rohit Sharma’s opening partner. But Gill was recalled for the third Test in Indore, struggling on a raging turner as the match ended in less than three days.

It was a tough, gruelling day in the field for Australia after they batted for almost two days to make their 480, led by Usman Khawaja’s marathon 180 and Cameron Green’s maiden Test century.

India captain Rohit Sharma (35) was the only wicket to fall in the morning session after he scooped a drive straight to Marnus Labuschagne at short cover off left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann’s bowling.

Despite claiming the big