Australia v India 2024-25 | Fourth Test | Day Three

Summary

On day three of a thrilling test match, India's Rishabh Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy showcased aggressive batting, while Australia focused on tight bowling. Key moments included Pant's counterattacks and Reddy's maiden half-century, a shining light for India amidst challenging conditions. Australia’s Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins took crucial wickets, but India's lower order fought back with gritty resistance. The match, filled with exciting cricket, saw a passionate crowd and ended with rain disrupting play, leaving the contest poised for further drama on the following day.

Takeaways

• 😀 Rishabh Pant started aggressively with a counterattack, setting the tone for India's innings.
• 😀 Nathan Lyon took the first wicket for Australia, capitalizing on a slight outside edge from Pant.
• 😀 Pant's adventurous nature led to his dismissal after a hook shot was caught in the field.
• 😀 India faced a potential collapse but found stability through partnerships, especially between Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar.
• 😀 Sundar brought up his fourth Test half-century, showcasing his resilience and contributing to India's recovery.
• 😀 Nathan Lyon took another crucial wicket, dismissing Sundar with a well-executed delivery that bounced and turned.
• 😀 Nitish Kumar scored a maiden half-century, providing India with a glimmer of hope during a challenging innings.
• 😀 Australia's bowlers, including Mitchell Starc, were relentless in their attack, pushing India to the brink of collapse.
• 😀 Despite a late rain delay, India fought to stay in the match, with Mohammad Siraj and others contributing with the bat.
• 😀 The weather played a role in the final session, with rain halting play and the umpires calling stumps for the day.
• 😀 Heading into the fourth day, Australia had the upper hand, but India's resilience—especially from young players like Kumar—kept the contest alive.

Q & A

What was the significance of Rishabh Pant's counterattack during the game?

Rishabh Pant's counterattack was an important moment in the game, as he looked to shift the momentum in India's favor. Despite the pressure, he played aggressively, which forced Australia to adjust their field and tactics. His approach signaled India's intent to fight back, and his batting was seen as a potential game-changer.

How did Nathan Lyon contribute to Australia's success during the session?

Nathan Lyon played a crucial role by taking important wickets, including that of Rishabh Pant. His consistent bowling, with a mix of bounce and turn, created opportunities for Australia to dismiss key Indian players. His contributions were vital in helping Australia gain the upper hand in the session.

What led to the dismissal of Rishabh Pant?

Rishabh Pant was dismissed after an adventurous hook shot that was caught by the fielder at deep square leg. His attempt at a big shot resulted in a well-timed catch by the Australian team, marking a key turning point in the match.

What impact did Washington Sundar's half-century have on the game?

Washington Sundar's half-century was significant, as it marked his second half-century against Australia and demonstrated his resilience under pressure. His knock was essential in stabilizing India's innings and helping them reach a more competitive total.

How did the Australian fielders perform during the session?

The Australian fielders, including Mitchell Stark, displayed great athleticism and commitment. Stark's effort to dive and save runs was notable, and the fielding quality was high, with the team executing key stops and catches, which helped maintain pressure on the Indian batsmen.

What role did Nathan Lyon's bowling play in dismissing key Indian batsmen?

Nathan Lyon's bowling was pivotal in removing important Indian batsmen, including those caught off edge and LBW decisions. His ability to vary his pace and spin, along with accurate lines, made him a constant threat throughout the innings.

What was the atmosphere like at the Melbourne Cricket Ground during the match?

The atmosphere at the MCG was electric, with a passionate crowd, especially cheering for the Indian team. The crowd's support was particularly evident when players like Nitesh Kumar Reddy reached milestones, and the excitement was palpable whenever India made progress.

How did the rain affect the game towards the end of the session?

The rain led to a delay, and as a result, the umpires decided to call stumps. This break gave the players a chance to rest, but also meant that India’s efforts to close the deficit were postponed, affecting the game's flow. The covers were put on the field as the rain increased.

What were the expectations for India's performance in the final session of day 3?

The final session of day 3 was crucial for India to reduce the deficit and gain momentum. There was hope that India could capitalize on the remaining time and bring the deficit closer to double figures, putting pressure on Australia for the next day’s play.

Why was Nitesh Kumar Reddy’s performance so special in this match?

Nitesh Kumar Reddy's performance was particularly special as he scored a maiden half-century under tough conditions. His innings stood out, especially in the context of India’s batting struggles, and it was a moment of personal achievement for the young player, drawing emotional support from teammates and the crowd.