On the third day of the World Test Championship final between India and Australia, the match witnessed a remarkable fight from Ajinkya Rahane and Shardul Thakur. Despite a shaky start, the duo’s exceptional partnership salvaged India’s first innings, helping them post a competitive total. After the early dismissal of KS Bharat, Shardul and Rahane displayed flexibility and skill to put on a fine 109-run partnership for the seventh wicket. His efforts propelled India’s total to 296.
pic.twitter.com/KbN9xZ3pHB— Nihari Korma (@NihariVsKorma) June 9, 2023
However, a strange incident took place towards the end of India’s innings, leading to discontent among the Indian fans towards the Australian players. During the 68th over, India’s number 11 batsman Mohammad Siraj was given out leg before wicket. Initially, the decision seemed fair and the umpire immediately raised his finger, prompting the Australians to leave the field. However, Siraj swiftly opted for a review even as the Australians continued to walk back to the dressing room.
Subsequent replays showed the inside edge of Siraj’s bat before the ball hit Siraj’s pad. As a result, umpire Chris Gaffaney changed his decision and declared Siraj not out. This turn of events led to Australian players who had already reached the boundary line being directed from the Oval Stadium. With sheepish smiles on their faces, they were forced to hastily return to their positions.
India managed to add two more runs to their total after this incident, thanks to the bat of Mohammed Shami, before he was eventually caught out by Alex Carey. Australia had taken a massive 173-run lead in the first innings, but heroics from Rahane and Shardul saw India successfully avoid the follow-on in the first session of the day.
In the earlier stages of the match, Australia had posted a total of 469 runs on the scoreboard, with both Travis Head and Steve Smith scoring centuries. India, on the other hand, experienced a collapse in their batting line-up, with none of their top four batsmen passing 20 runs. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja emerged as the team’s top-scorer on the second day, contributing 48 runs from just 51 balls.
Overall, the third day of the World Test Championship final saw an eye-catching display of determination and skill from Rahane and Shardul which turned the tide in India’s favour. The controversial incident involving the wrongful dismissal added an element of controversy to the proceedings, leaving a sour taste among the Indian fans. However, the match remained well balanced, with Australia holding a significant lead, but India fighting back with resilience.