Cricket World Test Championship 2021-23

'Ab toh barish hee bachaye hume' - Fans react as Australia extend their lead to 296 runs at stumps Day 3 of WTC 2021-23 Final

WTC Final Day 3 saw Australia extend their lead to 296 runs. Here's a brief summary of the day's play with fan reactions.

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Daniel S
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Day 3, WTC Final

Day 3, WTC Final (Source: Twitter)

Day 3 of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23 Final saw Australia further tighten their grip on the game following a rare session going India’s way. Starting from the overnight score of 151/5, India managed to score 296 before being bowled out by the mighty Australian pacers. Ajinkya Rahane played a valiant innings of 89 off 129 balls, at the same time, Shardul Thakur’s 51 remained invaluable as was Ravindra Jadeja’s 48.

For the Australian bowling, skipper Pat Cummins recorded the best figures with 3/83 in 20 overs. Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and Cameron Green returned with two wickets each while Nathan Lyon had just one. It was a team-display in bowling that helped Australia secure a first innings lead of 173 runs moving into the second innings.

Interestingly, Shardul Thakur’s half-century saw him equal a legendary record previously shared by Sir Don Bradman and Allan Border. Thakur became the third visiting batter to score three consecutive half-century plus scores at the Oval, London. He thus made his away among the legends.

Australia close out Day 3 at 123/4

The Australian innings started off with an early breakthrough for Mohammed Siraj and India as David Warner nicked an out-swinger for KS Bharat to complete a sharp low catch. Soon after tea, Umesh Yadav got the better of the other Australian opener, Usman Khawaja.

Following the two openers’ dismissal, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne continued to build a strong partnership. However, Smith’s struggle against Ravindra Jadeja continued as he was the third wicket to fall for Australia on Day 3. Jadeja continued his carnage claiming the wicket of Travis Head next as both centurions of the first innings were dismissed.

Australia closed out Day 3 at 123/4 after 44 overs, extending their lead to 296 runs. For India, Ravindra Jadeja led the bowling line with figures of 2/25 in 9 overs. Mohammed Siraj and Umesh Yadav scalped one each while Mohammed Shami and Shardul Thakur are yet to get their wickets column ticking for the second innings.

Here’s how fans reacted at the end of Day 3:

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