November 24, 2024: Virat Kohli’s stellar unbeaten century on Day 3 has set the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the opening Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Optus Stadium. Kohli’s composed knock helped India to a commanding total of 487/6, before they declared their innings, leaving Australia with a massive target of 534 runs to win the match.
At the end of Day 3, Australia find themselves in deep trouble, struggling at 12/3, with 522 runs still needed for victory. The hosts are facing a mountain to climb, and the pressure is mounting as they have only two days left to chase down the daunting total.
Virat Kohli completed his 30th Test century, an innings of poise and precision, remaining unbeaten on 122* when India declared. Kohli’s knock was a masterclass in handling pressure, especially when the team was in a slightly precarious position.
Washington Sundar contributed with a useful knock of 29, but was dismissed by Nathan Lyon as India moved to 410/6 in the 126th over.
India reached the 400-run mark in the 125th over, and after Sundar’s departure, Kohli and the tailenders ensured that India could build a sizeable lead.
Mitchell Marsh, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon shared the wickets for Australia. Lyon was the most successful bowler for the hosts, picking up two wickets in the third innings.
Australia’s chase got off to a disastrous start, losing three quick wickets by stumps on Day 3. Opener Nathan McSweeney was dismissed for a duck, followed by Pat Cummins (2) and Marnus Labuschagne (3). The Australian batting lineup is in disarray, and they will need a near-miraculous recovery to even manage a draw, let alone chase down the target.
The wickets fell at regular intervals, and India’s bowlers, led by the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammed Siraj, will be relishing the opportunity to exploit the fragile Australian batting lineup over the next two days.
Yashasvi Jaiswal (161) provided brilliant support to Kohli, as the pair built a partnership of 38 runs after India resumed their innings on Day 3. However, Jaiswal was dismissed by Mitchell Marsh after a well-made century, caught by Steve Smith at point.
Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel both failed to make an impact, with Pant stumped off Lyon’s bowling for just 1 run, and Jurel also dismissed for 1 by Pat Cummins.
Australia’s response to India’s mammoth total has been catastrophic so far. Their top order crumbled under pressure, with McSweeney, Cummins, and Labuschagne all back in the pavilion within the first few overs of the final session.
With two days still left in the Test, the Australian batting lineup will need to dig deep, but with India’s bowlers likely to exploit the conditions, the hosts face a near-impossible task. The next two days could provide a dramatic conclusion to what has already been a thrilling contest.
