Resuming play after lunch at 84 for one with Matthew Renshaw retired hurt due to stomach illness. With two new batsman, in form Shaun Marsh and Steven Smith. They were cautious after tea but they never missed out on lose balls, dispatching them for boundaries. The run rate as expected was on the slower side. The Australians started showing good application only till Shaun Marsh attempting to play the sweep, got a top edge and Kohli was there to accept it gleefully. Marsh departed for 16.
Promising Australian batsman Peter Handscomb walked into the middle to join Steve Smith. After a 30-run stand when things were looking positive for the Australians, at the stroke of tea, Jadeja managed to spin a web through Handscomb’s defense to wrap him in front of the stumps. Handscomb departed for 22. But the biggest blow for Australia came in the form of their skipper Steven Smith. He stepped out to Ashwin to flick the ball, but found Virat Kohli in the way, who pouched a sitter safely. It seemed Ashwin was on a roll, there was a huge appeal soon after against Mitchell Marsh, umpire gave it out only to overturn his decision after a review was taken.
India seem to hold the edge against Australia and would look to wrap their innings by the last session today. Smith showed resistance but perished soon for 27. Renshaw will now have to show resilience, fight and bat deep. His role is cut out.
Scorecard: Smith: 27, Renshaw: 37, Jadeja: 43/1 , Ashwin: 37/1, Australia: 153/4
