The third Test between India and Australia began on Thursday, 7th January 2021, at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The match is being played in the absence of the regular captain Virat Kohli, who has returned to India for the birth of his first child. The Indian team is being led by Ajinkya Rahane in his absence.
The day began with the Australian team winning the toss and electing to bat first. The Indian bowlers started off well, with Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah bowling tight lines and restricting the Australian batsmen. However, the Australian batsmen were able to build a steady partnership and take the score to 53/0 at lunch.
After the break, the Indian bowlers continued to bowl tight lines and were able to pick up the wicket of David Warner for 28. This brought Rohit Sharma to the crease and he looked in good touch, hitting a few boundaries. However, he was dismissed for 12 by Pat Cummins, leaving India one down.
At the end of the day, Australia had reached a score of 166/3, with Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne looking in good form. The Indian bowlers had done well to restrict the Australian batsmen, but the Indian batsmen will need to put up a good performance in the second innings if they are to have any chance of winning the match.
The day belonged to the Australian bowlers, who were able to keep the Indian batsmen in check. Pat Cummins was the pick of the bowlers, picking up two wickets and conceding just 24 runs in his 10 overs. Nathan Lyon also bowled well, picking up the wicket of Rohit Sharma and conceding just 18 runs in his 10 overs.
Overall, it was a good day for the Australian team, who were able to restrict the Indian batsmen and take a lead in the match. The Indian batsmen will need to put up a good performance in the second innings if they are to have any chance of winning the match. The match is still evenly poised and it will be interesting to see how the next few days of the Test match pan out.
