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India vs Australia, 3rd Test Match, Day 1 at Ranchi highlights: Smith-Maxwell combo makes Indian bowlers toil for wickets

Glenn Maxwell and Steven Smith piles on runs as Indian bowlers struggle to get a breakthrough, Virat Kohli's absence from the field felt

Not a good day for Indian bowlers after the first session as they were kept a bay by Australian skipper Steven Smith and comeback-man Glenn Maxwell on Day 1 of the Ranchi Test. Maxwell justifies his selection in the team as he went on to score 82 from 147 deliveries. He started off cautiously and initially struggled to time the ball but played himself in and put pressure on Indian bowlers. One thing that would impress many will be that he rotated strike quite often not just resorting to fours and sixes which is his natural game irrespective of the format.

Maxwell has blasted 5 fours and 2 sixes in his innings, he is on his way to the century and much likely to get it. At times, he kerbed his intentions to go after the bowling but still could not refrain from hitting a few big blows. By the end of day 1, Australia concluded their batting at 299/4 (Smith 117*, Maxwell 82*).

On the other end, Indian bowlers could not capitalise on the build-up they had in the first session. Umesh Yadav picked up two wickets whereas Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja picked up a wicket each.

Day 1, Stumps! Australia are 299/4 (Smith 117*, Maxwell 82*)

16:36 IST Ishant Sharma to Maxwell. He goes fishing again, Ishan could not believe his luck as the ball misses the edge by a whisker. Again, Maxwell is getting restless, almost threw away his wicket. He hits the next one towards covers, no run. Inside edge on that occasion but Maxwell manages to take a single. Smith on strike, he goes on back foot and defends that one in his typical manner. Another defensive block from Smith, no run. Now, the last ball of Day 1, Smith gets across and plays it with straight bat. Australia are 299/4 (Smith 117*, Maxwell 82*). End on Day 1’s play!

16:31 IST Umesh Yadav continues, Maxwell on strike. Maxwell stays in his crease there and defends it, no run. He works the next one towards mid-on but finds the fielder, no run. Maxwell shuffles across and tries to take a single towards mid-wicket but the fielder does well to stop him from doing that. Bouncer! this varitaion was very much needed, Maxwell was surprised by that delivery, no run. A similar delivery from Yadav but this time Maxwell lets it go, no run. He guides the last ball of the over towards third man for a single, retains strike.

16:27 IST Ishant Sharma is back into the attack, Maxwell watches the next one closely go into Saha’s gloves while protecting his castle. A similar effort from the next delivery, no run. FOUR! Maxwell tries to drive the ball towards covers and the ball reaches the boundary, it takes an edge and goes towards the third man boundary for four. He takes a single off the next ball, Smith on strike. He shoulders arms on that occasion, no run. He pushes the ball towards long-on for a single.

16:21 IST Umesh Yadav continues, Smith flicks that one towards the onside for a single. Maxwell on strike, he defends a rather full-pitched delivery from Yadav. A mistimed shot from Maxwell, but manages to take a single, pitched up inviting him to drive. Smith does exactly that but it goes straight to the fielder. He shoulders arms on the next ball, no run. Another mistimed shot, no run off the last delivery.

16:16 IST Ashwin continues, Smith plays it towards square leg, no run. He defends the next with a straight bat. He guides the next one to long leg as the ball races towards the boundary, Ashwin seems disappointed, he plays the next one towards backward square leg, takes a single. Maxwell defends the next one, no run. The last ball misses everything as it goes past the wicketkeeper as well, Australia will concede four byes.

16:14 IST Umesh Yadav comes back into the attack, Maxwell on strike, he angles it back to the batsman who pushes it towards mid-on, no run. The next one was slightly short in length, Maxwell defends it, no run. He plays the next one towards covers but straight to the fielder, no run. Another one played towards off side, no run. Maxwell pushes the next one past Yadav but mid-off fielder gets hold of it, no run. A straight bat defence from Maxwell, no run, a maiden over. Maxwell has been rather defensive agains the fast bowlers when compared to spin.

16:08 IST Ashwin has been brought back into the attack, Maxwell on strike, he starts off with two dot balls. LBW shout! but the umpire says no to the appeal, it was probably going down the leg side. Smith on strike, FOUR! beautiful drive from him, Indian bowlers are still looking for a breakthrough. A couple of the last ball to end the over.

16:04 IST Vijay to Smith, he works the ball towards mid-wicket and reaches 99, just one run away from his 19th Test ton. Maxwell goes back into the crease and cuts the ball for a single past point fielder for a single. Everyone waiting for Smith to score one run, he defends the ball pitched on middle leg. Next ball, the mid wicket fielder does well to stop that one, no run. FOUR! he gets down the track and hits a boundary right past the bowler. Smith reaches his 19th Test ton and continues his terrific form against India. A dot ball to finish off the over.

15:58 IST Jadeja to Maxwell, the first ball takes an inside edge but way short of the short-leg fielder. The next ball was treated with pads by Maxwell. He tries to go on the back foot and play that one through covers but finds the fielder. Appeal from indian fielders for a catch but the Umpire shakes his head, no run. SIX! that was whacked over straight on boundary. He is not holding back, if he plays for another session, India will be in deep trouble after first innings. They need Kohli’s tactics now, they desperately need his presence on the field. Meanwhile Maxwell just had a strain in his arm, after a break, he plays the last ball with his pads, no run.

15:53 IST Murali Vijay to Maxwell, he takes a single off the first ball. Vijay has posed no threat to these two set batsmen, Indian bowlers would have to do much better than that in order to get a breakthrough.

15:48 IST Another maiden over from Jadeja to Smith but that is not the talking point from this over. Wriddhiman Saha and Steven Smtih had a moment on the field as the ball got stuck between Smith’s legs after taking an inside edge. Saha in an attempt to take the catch gets Smith on the ground as the Australian skipper does well to save his wicket.

15:46 IST Surprisingly, Murali Vijay comes in to bowl, Maxwell goes on back foot and smashes the ball towards long leg for a four. He works another one towards leg side and picks up a couple of runs. He comes forward off the next delivery and defends it. Maxwell drives the full-pitched delivery but finds the fielder at mid-off. He tucks the ball behind square leg, takes a coupld of runs. This time he comes down the wicket but could not get the ball past covers fielders.

15:43 IST Jadeja continues, Smith on strike, the left-arm spinner is bowling a rather negative line not allowing Smith to score freely. Jadeja is bowling an odd ball on the leg stump line, a maiden over from him.

15:41 IST Umesh Yadav continues, Smith gets behind the ball and defends it with a straight bat, no run. This time he follows the ball pitched on off side and plays it towards off side, no runs scored. He angled the next delivery towards Smith, no run as he defends it with a straight bat. He flicks the next towards deep square leg for a single. Maxwell on strike, he goes on the back foot and defends the short delivery from Yadav with a straight bat. He picks the short ball early on that occasion and pulls it towards deep mid-wicket boundary for four, he is a major threat  to Indian bowlers now.

15:36 IST Jadeja continues, Smith defends that one, no run. Jadeja is coming over the wicket, he defends the next two deliveries in similar fashion. He guides the next ball towards backward square leg for a single. Maxwell on strike, he does not offer any shot on the delivery going down the leg side. He defends the last ball, just a single from the over.

15:33 IST Play continues after the ball gets replaced, Yadav pitches it towards middle leg, Smith guides it towards square leg for a single. Umesh is feeling a bit of strain in his shoulder while walking back to his run-up. Maxwell defends that one, no run. He plays the next one towards short mid-wicket, no run. Yadav is looking a bit tired, bowls the next delivery, Maxwell shoulders arms. He plays the next one towards covers, no run.

15:26 IST Umesh Yadav has been brought back into the attack as spin bowlers have not been able to get the breakthrough. Smith drives the first ball from the middle of the bat but straight to the fielder at covers, no run. Meanwhile, Indian players have complained about the shape of the ball deteriorated after 74 overs.

15:24 IST Jadeja continues, Maxwell on strike, he drives the first one towards mid-off fielder, no run. He drives it straight to cover, no run. He dances down the wicket but Jadeja shortens the length, no run. SIX! Maxwell reaches his fifty with a bang, gets on backfoot and hits it over deep mid-wicket boundary for a maximum, he has justified his selection in the team. He defends the next ball and guides the ball towards fine leg for a couple of runs.

15:20 IST Ashwin continues, Maxwell on strike. He could not time the first ball, does back to the bowler’s end, no run. He takes a couple of runs off the next delivery towards on side. Ashwin collects the next ball as Maxwell pushes it back to the bowler. FOUR! he flashes and flashes hard, another boundary for Maxwell. He takes a single off the next delivery, Smith defends the last ball, no run.

15:16 IST Jadeja continues, Maxwell on strike, he gets on back foot and barely misses an edge, he has started to get restless now, needs to calm himself down. He defends the next one with a straight bat, similar approach on the next two deliveries as well. He takes a single off the fifth delivery, brings Smith on strike, he drives but straight to the covers fielder, no run.

15:12 IST Ashwin continues, Smith on strike, he plays it towards deep mid-wicket for a single. Maxi on strike, he defends the tossed up delivery, not falling for any traps, Maxwell has shown exemplary amount of patience today. Two more singles from the over, Indian bowlers still could not get the breakthrough.

15:08 IST Jadeja to Maxwell, he takes a single towards covers. Smith comes on strike and takes a single towards square leg. Maxwell is trying to breakfree in order to score boundaries, no runs scored off the next two. He blocks the rest of the deliveries as well on front foot, just a single off the over.

15:05 IST Smith on strike, Ashwin continues, he starts off with two dot deliveries darted into the stumps, no run. Another defensive block from him towards off side, no run. He takes a single towards mid-on, Maxwell on strike. He takes a single towards mid-wicket and brings Smith on strike. He cuts that one and picks up a couple. Smith has reached the 90s now, on his way to 19th Test century.

15:02 IST Jadeja continues, Maxwell on strike, he goes back into the crease and defends that one, no run. He tries to work for room, goes back into the crease but has to settle with a defensive shot. Another block from Maxwell going deep into the crease. He finds the gap this time, cutts the ball towards square, three runs taken as Yadav puts in a dive and saves a boundary. Smith on strike, he offers a block on that one and takes a single off the next.

14:59 IST Ashwin has been brought back into the attack, he is coming round the wicket to Smith, he comes down the track and takes a single towards deep mid-off. Maxwell on strike, he defends that one, no run. Next ball, Maxwell tries to nudge it past Ashwin who puts in a dive to save a single. Maxwell comes down the track but was in no position to hit a attacking shot, pulls out of it in the end. He comes down the track, defends the ball, no run. He pushes the next ball towards mid-wicket for a single, retains strike.

14:56 IST Jadeja continues, Maxwell facing, he takes a single towards square. Smith on strike, he dabs it in front of short leg, no run. Two defensive blocks follow as Smith cramps for room. He guides the ball towards long-on for a single. Marsh cuts that one but the ball goes straight to point fielder, just 2 runs from the over.

14:54 IST Ishant Sharma continues, Smith on strike, he once again gets two across trying to punch the ball towards covers, no run scored as the ball takes an inside edge off his bat. Inswinging delivery, pitched up, Ishant Sharma’s strategy is quite clear, to make the batsman play every ball, Smith defends that on the front foot, no run. Another one came back into the batsman, Smith nudges it towards mid-on fielder, no run.

Ishant is following former player Kapil Dev’s ideology bowling stump to stump, ‘You miss I hit’. Next ball, that one hits the pads but it was going down the leg side, no run. Another defensive block from Smith, he is being cautious inching closer to his 19th century. Another dot delivery to end the over, Smith seems a bit frustrated, maiden over from Ishant.

14:48 IST Jadeja continues, Maxwell on strike. Clean hit! Maxwell showing his true colours, sends that one over mid-on fielder for a four, once bounce over the rope. He is dangerous for India that way, gets on back foot and cuts the ball for a single. Smith on strike, he defends the first ball and takes a single off the next towards covers. Maxwell comes forward on the next two deliveries, no runs scored.

14:45 IST Ishant Sharma continues, Maxwell on strike. He blocks the first one towards off side, no run. He hops on the back foot and punches the ball towards covers, good running between the wickets as he picks up a couple of runs. An inswinging delivery from Sharma, Maxwell does well to keep that one out, no run. He predicts the length beforehand and gets across guides the ball towards fine leg for a single. Smith on strike, he defends the ball pitched on off stump. Another inswinging delivery, Smith defends that one on front foot.

14:39 IST Jadeja continues, Maxwell on strike, he comes forward and defends that one, no run. He drives the next ball towards covers for a single, Smith on strike. He gets down the track trying to go over the top, Jadeja drops the length back, the hit falls short of the mid-off fielder. He plays the rest of deliveries cautiously, just a single off Jadeja’s over.

14:37 IST Ishant Sharma comes back into the attack, Steven Smith tries to go fishing outside off stump, the ball kept really low and went under his bat, Smith survives. Ishant angled in that delivery, Smith gets behind the ball and defends that, no run. A similar shot off the next delivery, no run as the ball was fielded by mid-off fielder. This time around, Smith drives with precision, a boundary for him, he is inching close to his century now.Another drive from Smith but this time it goes straight to the covers fielder. He opens the face of the bat on that one towards off side, no run.

14:31 IST The players are back on the field after tea break.

The second session clearly belonged to Australia as they lost just one wicket and were able to stitch a partnership and save themselves from a batting collapse similar to that of Pune and Bengaluru Test. Smith is going well as he has scored 80 off 161 balls already. He is holding onto one end in the first innings. Meanwhile, Maxwell is off to a promising start, his experience playing in India during IPL has paid off, minus a few hiccups he looks way better than what Mitchell Marsh did during Pune and Bengaluru Test.

India lost one review as Ishant Sharma took a review off a no ball. Virat Kohli is still in the dressing room trying to recover from the shoulder injury. We will keep you posted with the follow-ups of the severity of his injury.

Tea Break!

14:11 IST Jadeja continues, Maxwell on strike, that one was way down the leg side, Saha does well to collect that one. As Jadeja comes over the wicket, Maxwell offers pads to the delivery, no run. A similar block through pads from Maxwell, no run. Another one pitched down the leg and Maxwell defends it with pads. Finally, he gets bat on ball as this one was in the line of leg stump. He defends that one with a straight bat and goes into tea, a maiden over from Jadeja.

14:08 IST Ishant Sharma continues, Smith on strike, he stays in the crease and defends that one getting behind the line of the stumps. A slightly fuller delivery from Sharma, Smith defends that with a straight bat. A short of the length delivery from Sharma, Smith tries to hit it towards off side but the ball takes an inside edge, no run.

Another defensive block from Smith, no run. An inswinging delivery from Ishant as Smith watches the ball till the very end and blocks it. An overpitched delivery from Ishant and it got the treatment it deserved, Smith drives it fiercely for a boundary.

14:02 IST Jadeja is back into the attack, Maxwell tries to use his wrists and get it past point, finds the fielder, no run. This time he finds the gap and takes a single, Smith on strike, he darts that one onto the stumps, he defends that one, no run. Smith drives that one but could not get it past the covers fielder, no run. He pushes the next one past Jadeja towards long-on for a single. Maxwell defends the last ball as it was pitched in line of the stumps, 2 runs from the over.

13:59 IST Ishant Sharma comes back into the attack, Maxwell on strike. A huge lbw shout from Sharma as the ball hits the pads on leg stump. Umpire remains unmoved, Sharma and Rahane opt for a review, it seemed to be going down the leg side. No ball! Not good for India as they took the review and it showed Sharma overstepping the line. Maxwell survives, his review goes in vain. Maxwell guides the next one towards third man for a single. Smith returns the favour and takes a single towards on side.

Maxwell on strike, he tries to play it towards off side for a single, but could not find the gap. He takes a single off the next ball towards fine leg. Smith defends the last two deliveries, 4 runs from the over.

13:52 IST Smith on strike, Ashwin continues, he clips that one towards mid-wicket. Another block from Smith, no run. He takes a single towards mid-off as Murali Vijay does well to cut that one off. Maxwell plays it into the gap and takes a couple of runs testing Jadeja who hits the stumps direct, Umpire refers it but the batsman was well home. Maxwell guides the ball towards long-on for a single. FOUR! Smith hits that one behind square as it races towards the boundary, 8 runs from that over.

13:48 IST Jadeja to Maxwell, he drives the ball towards covers and Rahul does well to cut that off and save a certain boundary. Smith on strike, he defends that one. He takes a single off the next ball towards backward square leg. Maxwell on strike, he comes forward and defends that one, no run. He plays the next one towards mid-on, takes a single. Smith guides the next one towards mid-off for a single.

13:49 IST Ashwin continues, Maxwell pushes the first ball towards mid-on for a single. Smith on strike, he drives the next ball towards covers but straight to the fielder, no run. Similar result off the next ball as well. This time he tries to work it on the on side but could not get past mid-on, no run. Two more dot deliveries to follow, just a single from Ashwin’s over.

13:42 IST Smith goes back into the crease and defends Jadeja ‘s slower delivery. He takes a single off the next towards covers. Maxwell on strike, he flicks the ball towards backward square leg for a single, the Umpire signals leg byes. Smith takes a couple of runs working the ball towards on side. Smith comes forward and blocks the last two balls in a similar fashion, four runs from the over.

13:39 IST Ashwin to Maxwell, he goes back into the crease and pushes the ball towards long-on for a single. Next ball, Smith tucks the ball towards mid-wicket for a single. Maxwell once again gets off strike as he takes a single off the back foot. Smith goes back into the crease but could not find a gap to work the ball into. He comes forward on the next ball and defends it. On the last ball, Smith comes down the wicket and takes a single towards long-on.

13:36 IST Jadeja comes back into the attack, Maxwell on strike, he drives but the ball takes an edge, takes a single towards short third man. Smith on strike, he gets forward and plays the ball towards off side, no run. He comes down the track, but could not flick it past mid-wicket fielder Ashwin. He drives the next ball towards covers for a single. Maxwell on strike, he goes on back foot and punches the ball through covers and picks up a couple of runs. A dot ball to finish off the over, 3 runs from it.

13:33 IST Ashwin continues, Maxwell on strike, he is not having it easy on the field against Ashwin, after three dot deliveries it was an inside edge that got him off strike, unlucky for Ashwin there, he deserved a wicket. Smith could not find a single there on the last two deliveries, just a single from the over.

13;31 IST Umesh Yadav continues, Maxwell on strike, he tries to work it towards off side, takes a single, Umpire signals leg-bes. Meanwhile, Kohli is roaming in the dressing room shirtless, if any of his girl fans are reading this, switch on the TV near you. Getting back on the field, a fuller delivery from Yadav, Smith does well to keep that one out. Smith could not find a gap from the rest of the deliveries, just a single from the over.

13:26 IST Ashwin to Maxwell, he comes forward and defends it, no run. He tries to work the ball towards square but short leg gets hold of that , no run. A huge lbw shout from Ashwin but the umpire shakes his head, maybe it was going down the leg side, Rahane decides not to take the review, takes a single. Smith defends the next two deliveries, no runs scored, a fine over from Ashwin.

12:44 IST Umesh Yadav continues, Maxwell on strike, he hits the ball towards mid-on but the fielder cuts it off, no run. Meanwhile, Kohli is roaming around in the dressing room with an ice pack on his shoulder. He defends the next one going on his back foot, a rather short delivery on that occasion. He takes a single dabbing the ball towards backward square leg. He guides the next ball towards third man for a single. Another ball angled into Maxwell, he does well to defend that, no run. Maxwell goes across and tries to flick the ball for a single, a faint lbw shout from Yadav but Umpire says no and signals leg-byes.

13:19 IST Ashwin continues after drinks break, Maxwell on strike, he hits it back to the bowler, no run. He pushes the next ball for a single towards long-on, Smith on strike. He comes forward and defends it towards mid-off, no run. He comes forward again but this time an inside edge off the bat hits the pads, no run. Edge and safe! Smith survives and ends up taking a couple of runs as the ball lands safe. He comes forward on the last ball and defends it, no run.

Drinks Break!

13:14 IST Umesh Yadav continues, Smith on strike, he takes a single off the first ball down fine leg region. Maxwell on strike, he has been brought into the side after Mitchell Marsh’s poor performance. Maxwell drives but Yadav does well to get hold of that, no run. He takes a single off the next ball, Smith too rotates strike. Maxwell slices the ball towards point and takes a single. FOUR! Maxwell hits that one towards fine leg, does well to move across the stumps and get bat on it.

13:09 IST Ashwin comes back into the attack as soon as Maxwell comes out to the middle. Smith on strike, takes a single towards backward square leg. Maxwell on strike, he takes a single after facing two balls and gets off the mark. He and Ashwin do not share quite a good equation with each other, it will be a joy to watch. Smith takes another single and retains strike.

13:06 IST Yadav to Smith, he takes a single off the first delivery and completes his fifty, he is the danger-man for India. OUT! A fuller delivery from Yadav to Handscomb on the boot, Umpire raises his finger almost in a reflex. No ‘Dressing Room Review System’ needed on that occasion as that was plump in front, another wicket for Yadav. The new man in is Glenn Maxwell, no runs scored off the rest of the deliveries, just a single from it.

13:02 IST OUT! Peter Handscomb lbw Umesh Yadav 19(47)

13;00 IST Jadeja to Handscomb. he drives the first ball for a single towards covers. Smith defends the next ball towards off side, no run. Smith takes a single off the fifth ball as Jadeja barely gave him room to work with. Handscomb faces another dot delivery to end the over, no run.

12:57 IST Umesh Yadav has been brought back into the attack, Handscomb on strike. He goes back into his crease and defends the ball, no run. FOUR! He punches the ball on the back foot, the ball pierces the off side field and goes to the boundary. He pushes the next ball towards covers, no run. Meanwhile, Kohli has been seeen holding an ice pack on his shoulder. Just a single more from the over as Handscomb retains strike.

12:53 IST Jadeja to Handscomb, he flicks the ball towards long-on as skipper Virat Kohli hurts himself trying to chase the ball, he saved a run but hurts his right shoulder in order to do that. He is getting immediate help from the physio as he leaves the field. This is not a good sign for India. We will keep you posted about that. Jadeja keeps Smith on strike as he struggles to find a gap, just 3 runs from the over.

12:48 IST Ishant Sharma continues, Smith on strike, he is heading towards his half-century now. He defends the first ball using his typical style of batting, getting across and playing through the line. Uneven bounce on the next delivery, Smith manages to get bat on that. Smith drives this time but could not get past Jadeja on the edge of the circle, he saves a certain boundary.

Smith this time changes his mind on the last time, it seemed like he was going to flick it but gets a straight bat on that in the end. A few fielding changes being made, opens the face of the bat towards the end and takes a single, retains strike.

12;42 IST Jadeja to Smith. Whoa! that one nearly got him, the arm ball from Jadeja, Smith goes deep into the crease and manages to get bat on that otherwise he would have been plumb. He takes a single towards covers on the next ball. Handscomb manages to survive the rest of the over, no runs scored.

12:40 IST Ishant Sharma continues, Smith shoulders arms on the first delivery and lets it go into Saha’s gloves. Next ball, he shuffles across and gets in the line of the ball, defends it with a straight bat, no run. Smith takes a single off the next ball, Handscomb on strike. He tries to defend that one but it takes a faint leading edge to covers, no run.

This time he gets a solid defensive shot behind that, no run. Meanwhile, the commentators are having a laugh remembering Sharma’s famous game face. Edge and safe! a beautiful delivery to end the over as Handscomb survives.

12:35 IST Jadeja continues, Smith on strike. FOUR! picks the trajectory of the ball early on and drives it towards covers for a boundary. He defends the next one towards covers. Jadeja did not give any room to Smith on the rest of the deliveries. Smith takes a single off the last ball and retains strike against Ishant Sharma.

12:32 IST Ishant Sharma continues, Handscomb on strike, he goes deep inside the crease and defends it, no run. He defends the next two balls in a similar manner, no runs scored. Another defensive block from Handscomb, Sharma is not letting Handscomb free his arms. Another dot ball as Handscomb does it well to get his bat on ball on that occasion. He cuts the next ball between covers and point, misfield there as the ball goes through Ashwin, a couple of runs taken.

12:26 IST Smith is looking in good form whereas Handscomb is still trying to settle in. Ishant Sharm gave three runs from his over whereas Jadeja just gave a single off his over. Indian bowlers are trying to target Handscomb and try to get his wicket before he plays himself in on this pitch.

12:19 IST Jadeja continues, Handscomb on strike, he pushes the first ball towards mid-off, no run. He plays the next one towards leg side for a single and brings Smith on strike. Smith tries to sneak a single of the next deliveries, he takes a single off the last ball, a cheeky one indeed, 2 runs from Jadeja’s over. A good over from Jadeja.

12:16 IST Ishant Sharma starts off the proceedings of the second session, Smith on strike. First ball, pitched up, Smith gets bat on that, ball goes to mid-off, no run. Another pitched up delivery, Smith moves across and defends that one. Almost an action replay on the next delivery as Smith is moving in the crease to get in the line of the ball and get the bat behind it.

The next delivery was angled in, Smith defends it, this time does not move much across the crease. The next one was pitched outside off stump, Smith pushes it towards covers, no run. Another dot delivery as Sharma pulls back his length a bit, a maiden over from him.

11:52 IST We will be back with the updates of Ranchi Test at 12:10 IST, till then stay tuned.

Australia have lost three wickets in the first session but have done well to score at a good run rate which might prove to be a positive for them as the game progressive. Renshaw and Warner gave Australia a rather fast start in the first session. After Warner’s wicket, it was the Indian spinners who pumped up the break on the scoring rate. The world’s No.1 Test bowlers duo Ashwin-Jadeja’s role will be the one to watch out for through the day as they will create problems for the Aussie batsmen. Right now, the controversial duo Smith and Handscomb are on the crease, will their brain fade again or a fitting reply is on the cards? Stay tuned!

Lunch Break!

11:30 IST Jadeja continues, Smith on strike, brace up for the last over before lunch break. Smith defends that one cautiously, no run. He works the next one behind square for a couple of runs, good running between the wickets. He gets forward on the next ball and defends it, no run. Peter Handscomb does not want to give his wicket away before the first session, two dot balls to finish off the over. Australia go into lunch 109 for 3.

11:28 IST Umesh Yadav continues with an attacking field position, the seats at the JSCA Stadium have started to fill up now as the game progresses. Smith gets forward on first ball and defends it, no run. FOUR! That one was slightly pitched on leg, Smith manages to get bat on that, reverse swing for Yadav on that occasion, the ball went through Smith’s legs, he gets lucky on the brink of lunch break.

FOUR! back-to-back boundaries for Smith as this time he flicks the ball for a boundary towards square leg. Smith picks up a single off the next ball as the Umpire signals leg-byes. Handscomb on strike, no runs scored off the last two balls.

11:24 IST Jadeja is back into the attack, Smith on strike, starts off with a tight line, not giving Smith any room on the first four balls to work it for a single. Smith is being cautious as he wants to go into lunch with wickets intact, he takes a single off the last ball, retains strike.

11:21 IST Umesh Yadav continues, Handscomb on strike. LBW shout but Umpire shakes his head, Kohli decides not to review that one as he suspects that the ball was swinging down the leg stump. Handscomb is having it tough against Yadav as he is testing him by pitching the ball up and on other instances making him fish outside off stump. He is itching to take a single, Yadav is having a good time as he smiles on the last delivery as Handscomb manages to leave that one, maiden over from Yadav.

11:18 IST Ashwin to Marsh, it looks like the ball has hit the bat first as KL Rahul goes up instantly after taking the catch at short-leg. The Umpire shakes his head, Kohli goes for a review straight away. OUT! the review shows that the ball has hit the bat first, Ashwin strikes, he is delighted. Marsh departs for 2, India have got their third wicket. Now, Peter Handscomb comes in to bat. FOUR! He drives the first ball

Now, Peter Handscomb comes in to bat. FOUR! He drives the first ball past cover fielder for a boundary, he means serious business straight away. Handscomb defends the next ball and takes a single off the next bringing Smith on strike. Smith takes a single towards mid-wicket. Handscomb takes a single off the last delivery and retains strike.

11:13 IST OUT! Shaun Marsh c KL Rahul b R Ashwin 2(8)

11:11 IST Umesh Yadav continues, Shaun Marsh on strike. He defends the first ball coming forward, no run. He lets the next ball go as he shoulders arms on the next one. Edged and safe! that one landed just short of the slip fielder Kohli, Yadav is a bit disappointed as the ball did not carry. He dabs the next ball towards square leg for a single. Smith defends the next one pitched up towards the stumps. Smith tries to drive the ball towards covers but could not get it post the fielder, no run.

11:07 IST Ashwin to Smith, he takes a single off the first ball as he hits the ball past the bowler. Marsh on strike, he defends the first ball coming forward, no run. He flicks the next towards square leg for a single, Umpire signals leg byes. Smith on strike, he defends the ball going deep into the crease. He takes a couple of runs off the next delivery and defends the last ball, 4 runs from the over.

11:04 IST Umesh Yadav continues, Renshaw on strike, he gets across and guides the ball past mid-wicket fielder for a couple of runs. Edged and safe! Renshaw goes fishing outside the off stump, gets lucky that the ball did not carry to the slip-fielder. Edged and caught, OUT! Renshaw makes the same mistake and this time he gets rewarded as the ball goes into Kohli’s safe hands, wicket no.1 for Yadav. He is delighted, they have got their man as Renshaw was looking dangerous.

Now. Shaun Marsh comes in to bat, Yadav welcomes him with a delivery darted into the srumps, he defends it with a straight bat, no runb. He guides the next ball for a single towards backwards square leg. Smith on strike, he defends the last ball going deep into the crease, takes a quick single.

10:59 IST OUT! Matthew Renshaw c Virat Kohli b Umesh Yadav 44(69)

10:57 IST Ashwin bowling round the wicket to Renshaw, he gets forward and defends the first one. A copy-book front foot block on the next delivery from Renshaw, no run. He hits back to Ashwin, the ball fell just short of him, no run. This time around he goes deep into the crease and cuts the ball behind square for a single. Smith on strike, he defends the two deliveries, just a single off the over.

10:55 IST Umesh Yadav has been brought bat into the attack, Renshaw on strike, he opens the face of the bat at last moment, no run off that delivery. Renshaw defends the next ball towards covers region, no run.Yadav comes round the wicket to Renshaw, that one was pitched on the stumps, Renshaw comes forward and defends it with a straight bat. He takes a single towards backward point. Smith on strike, Kohli has incorporated a slip for him.He defends that one in the crease, last ball of the over, another full delivery, Smith does well to get bat on that, no run.

10:50 IST Jadeja continues, Renshaw comes down the wicket trying to attack but could not hit it, the ball goes towards slips where Kohli catches the ball, an appeal from Indian fielders but Umpire shakes his head, no review taken from Kohli. Renshaw tries to make amends as he defends the next one, no run. He takes a single towards backward square leg, Smith on strike, he could not manage to find the gap, just a single from Jadeja’s over.

10:46 IST Ashwin to Renshaw. He is being cautious against Ashwin trying not to attack him as the ball could take a leading edge. He takes a single on the fourth delivery towards covers, Smith on strike, he takes a couple off the last ball, three runs from Ashwin’s over.

10:42 IST Jadeja to Renshaw, he gets forward and guides the ball towards long-on for a single. Smith on strike, a faint edge off his bat, no run. He gets down the wicket on the next ball and takes a quick single towards covers. Renshaw on strike, he defends that one, no ruhn. He comes forward off the next and pushes the ball towards long-on for a single. Last ball of the over, Smith offers a straight bat, no run.

10:40 IST Ashwin continues, Renshaw gets across on the first ball trying to work the ball towards mid-wicket but finds the fielder, no run. He hits the next one towards mid-on, no run on that occasion either. He gets half-forward on the next and defends it, no run. He drives off the next ball but it goes straight to the fielder, no run. He takes a single off the next delivery, Smith on strike, a dot ball to finish off the over.

10:37 IST Jadeja continues, Smith on strike, he comes forward and defends the first ball, no run. He hits the next one, towards mid-on, no run. Next ball, he goes back into the crease and cuts that one, no run as it goes straight to the point fielder. A similar delivery, this time he comes forward and drives it straight to cover fielder, no run. FOUR! He hits it against the spin for a boundary, Ashwin chases it but the ball wins the race. A dot ball to finish off the over.

Drinks Break! 

10:31 IST Ashwin to Smith, he gets back into the crease and defends the ball, nudging it towards mid-on fielder. He comes forward off the next and defends it, no run. He goes deep into the crease and flicks the ball towards square leg for a single. Renshaw on strike, he pushes the ball towards mid-off for a single. Smith on strike, he defend the ball with a straight bat followed by a single off the last ball towards long-on.

10:28 IST Jadeja continues, Smith takes a big stride forward and defends it with a straight bat, no run. Next ball, he pushes the ball back to the bowler, no run. He gets back into the crease on this occasion and defends the ball, no run. He gets forward on the next ball and pushes it towards mid-on, no run. He gets down the wicket again and flicks the ball towards square leg for a single. Renshaw on strike, he gets forward and defends that one, no run.

10:26 IST Renshaw on strike, Ashwin continues, he goes back into the crease and plays it towards short leg, no run. FOUR! this one was in the slot, slower through the air and Renshaw picked it up early, no chance for the long-on fielder to cut that off. He gets off strike, creaming the ball towards long-off. Smith on strike, he gets down the wicket and hits the ball back to Ashwin, no run. Another dot follows, Smith takes a single towards long-on and retains strike.

10:22 IST Jadeja continues, Smith on strike, he defends the first ball with a straight bat. FOUR! hits it towards fine leg as the ball hurries towards the boundary. Jadeja is bowling a tight line and length now, not allowing Smith on time the ball and binding him in the crease, no runs scored off the remaining balls.

10:20 IST Ashwin continues, Renshaw on strike. he is under pressure again from the Indian spinners with Warner gone. Ashwin is bowling a tight line and length as he bowls his first maiden of the Test. This might be put breaks on Australian batsmen scoring freely.

10:18 IST Ravindra Jadeja introduced into the attack, quite expected move from Kohli. Renshaw on strike, he comes forward and defends the first one, no run. This time he tries to come down the wicket, takes a single towards mid-off. FOUR! Warner drives that one through covers for a boundary. WICKET! A juicy full toss from Jadeja gets the better of Warner. He hits it back to Jadeja who rescued the Umpire and gets the breakthrough for India, he is delighted, a soft dismissal for Warner. Steven Smith comes out to bat, defends the first two balls with caution.

10:15 IST OUT! David Warner c & b Ravindra Jadeja 19(26)

10:13 IST Ashwin continues, Renshaw tries to work the ball towards square leg but the ball takes a leading edge and lands safe. He comes forward and blocks the next delivery, no run. He goes deep into the crease on the next ball and defends that one, no run. He keeps Renshaw quite in this over, he takes a single off the last ball and retains strike. It looks like Ashwin might be dangerous as the ball gets old.

10:10 IST Warner on strike, Umesh Yadav continues. That one was pitched on stumps from round the wicket, he takes a quick single towards mid-on testing Murali Vijay. Renshaw on strike, he too gets across and takes a couple of runs towards mid-on. Renshaw guides the next ball towards third man for a single. No problems faced so far, FOUR! Warner drives through the gap, he too is trying to break free. Indian bowlers are getting bashed by Australian openers. Two dot deliveries to end the over, we might see a bowling change on this end as well.

10:06 IST Ravichandran Ashwin has been introduced into the attack, Warner on strike. Warner struggled to play Ashwin coming round the wicket, he takes a single on the fifth ball bringing Renshaw on strike. Renshaw attacks and gets another boundary, he is not sparing any bowler, it seems like he is in another zone today.

10:01 IST Yadav to Renshaw, he flicks it again towards square leg region, Jadeja is chasing that one and throws it back to Saha, but not before a couple of runs. Short delivery from Yadav, Renshaw could not get bat on it otherwise it would have taken an edge. Another one pitched down the leg but this time a bit fuller, Renshaw takes a single as the Umpire signals leg-byes.

Yadav follows the leg stump line, Warner too, takes a single through leg byes, Renshaw on strike. That one was struck hard as Yadav comes round the wicket, Renshaw picks the line and guides it towards covers for a boundary. A single to end the over, Renshaw is posing problems for Indian bowlers.

9:56 IST Ishant Sharma continues, Warner on strike. That one was short and pitched towards leg, Warner dabs it down towards square leg for a couple of runs. Next ball, Warner drives it but could not get it in the middle of the bat, no run. Another dot delivery as Warner finds the fielder, a rather defensive shot from him towards covers.

Warner drives it back past the bowler, runs hard to take a single as mid-off fielder saves a boundary. FOUR! Renshaw hit that one with precision, that was pitched on the legs, he does well to go across and guides it in front of square for a boundary. A dot ball to finish off the over, Renshaw looks in good touch.

9:51 IST Umesh Yadav continues, Warner on strike. He goes on the back foot on that occasion and punches it towards the covers, no run as it finds the fielder. A back of length delivery from Yadav, Warner goes back into the crease and defends it, no run. Good running between the wickets from Warner as he gets a quick single, Renshaw on strike.

Full toss from Yadav as Renshaw plays it straight to the fielder, no run. A back of the length delivery from Yadav, Renshaw guides it towards backward point and beats Jadeja as the ball finds the boundary. Renshaw defends the last delivery with a straight bat, no run.

9:47 IST Ishant Sharma continues, Renshaw on strike. Beats him offside off as Renshaw shows minimal feet movement and gets stuck in the crease. Next ball, Renshaw does well to get his bat out of the way on that one, no run. Huge LBW shout! Ishant Sharma goes up instantly but the Umpire shakes his head.

There is a discussion over it but Virat Kohli decides not to review that one, Renshaw survives. Next ball, Renshaw stays in the crease and defends that one, no run. FOUR! Renshaw flicks that one towards deep mid-on and gets another boundary, Ishant does not look happy at all. Last ball of the over, Renshaw tries to work it towards mid-on but the ball is fielded inside the circle, no run.

9:41 IST Umesh Yadav to open the bowling alongside Ishant Sharma, Warner on strike. The first one was pitched on the legs and Warner guides it towards backward square leg region for a couple of runs. Yadav runs in again, whoa! extra bounce for him on that occasion, Warner does well do drop his wrists and let that one go to Saha. Next ball, LBW shout from Yadav! it was clearly going down the leg side, the Umpire pays no heed to that appeal.

Next ball, Yadav pitches that one on stumps, Warner goes on back foot and defends it, no run. Similar delivery from Yadav, Warner defends it going back into the crease. Next ball, Yadav drops it on off stump line, Warner comes half forward and guides it towards mid-off, no run.

9:37 IST Ishant Sharma starts off with a good length delivery outside off, Renshaw lets it go into Saha’s hands, no run, raw pace on that delivery from Ishant. Another ball swinging away from Renshaw, he shoulders arms again, no run. Sharma has his game face on, runs in again. Raw pace from him again, Renshaw in no mood to play that one, no run. Next ball, slightly near Renshaw’s off stump line, he struggles to get the bat away from the ball, hits the bat but goes safe towards the gully region, no run.

This one was pitched on the stumps, nice swing for Sharma, Renshaw goes back into the crease and defends it. Last ball of the over, FOUR! this was pitched slightly on the leg stump, Renshaw works it towards deep mid-on boundary four four, gets off the mark with a boundary.

9:30 IST Openers Matthew Renshaw and David Warner walk into the middle all padded up to face Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav.

9:25 IST Both the teams walk out in to the field for their respective national anthems, not enough crowd at the JSCA Stadium, we expect the count to increase as the game progresses.

9:21 IST The main talking point before the Ranchi Test has been the ‘brain fade’ incident of Steven Smith. There has been considerable outrage over the incident from both the teams, will they douse the flames or add more spark to it? We will find out in a few minutes as the third Test is about to begin in a few minutes. Stay tuned!

9:16 IST The first spell of Indian fast bowlers Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav will be the most crucial one as it will set the tone for the Day 1. Both of them have been in great form lately, they will be looking to stop David Warner from scoring runs and try to unsettle Matthew Renshaw early on.

9:11 IST Unpleasant news for MS Dhoni fans as he would not be gracing his hometown stands for the historic Test due to his commitments for Jharkhand team in Vijay Hazare Trophy.

9:05 IST India make one change in their side as Vijay is set to play his 50th Test match. Abhinav Mukund has to warm the benches after an ordinary performance in the previous Test, a bit harsh decision for him but expected. Whereas, Australia bring in Pat Cummins in place of Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell for out-of-form Mitchell Marsh.

9:03 IST What the captains had to say after toss-

Virat Kohli: It’s a challenge when you lose the toss. Would have liked to bat first as well. We have prepared really well for this game and everyone is raring to go. We are taking it as a two match series from here. It’s all about taking the momentum forward and carry forward what we did in Bangalore. The guys have a good fell of what we have out there in the middle. One change: Vijay is fit and Abhinav Mukund misses out.

Steven Smith: We are gonna have a bat. I think it will take the spin as the game goes on, so hoping for a good first innings total. Exciting half-way through (at 1-1). The preparation’s been good. The last couple of days has been good at training, so boys are good to go. Two changes: Pat Cummins comes in, and Maxwell as well.

Playing XI India: Lokesh Rahul, Murali Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli(c), Ajinkya Rahane, Karun Nair, Wriddhiman Saha(wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma

Playing XI Australia: David Warner, Matt Renshaw, Steven Smith(c), Shaun Marsh, Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Wade(wk), Pat Cummins, Steve O’Keefe, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

9:00 IST TOSS! Steven Smith wins the toss and elects to bat first!

8:57 IST Get ready folks! the toss is about to happen as Virat Kohli and Steven Smith along with the Umpire are walking out in the field. It will be a crucial toss to win for Kohli.

Welcome to inUth’s digital coverage of today’s biggest affair as India and Australia gear up for the historic Test at Ranchi. The four-match Test series is nicely poised between the two with momentum on Virat Kohli & Co’s side after their emphatic win over Steven Smtih’s side at Bengaluru. The first ever Ranchi Test has got enough build-up it needed as there was never a dull moment after Bengaluru Test with controversies piling on one after another.

Apart from the historic Ranchi Test buzz going around the town, one should know that this is Australia’s 800th Test. There has been enough trash talk between the teams, their boards BCCI and CA with ICC stepping in and between the Australian media making false accusations on Indian captain and coach. The time has come for the reckoning as both the teams fight for dominance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to make sure they do not lose the Test series.

Pitch Report
The pitch has been the main talking point before the third Test. After bowler-friendly pitches at Pune and Bengaluru where Test match did not see the light of Day 5, Ranchi, too is not considered to be a batting paradise. There will be a lot of pressure on the pitch curator before the pitch for the historic Test is selected as match-referee Broad has rated the pitches of first two Tests as poor.

Controversies took over when MS Dhoni and after that Virat Kohli came inspecting the pitch before the play. However, the curator SB Singh denied their influence in selecting the pitch altogether, falsifying reports creating a buzz before the historic Test.

Team Changes
Australia are most likely to replace injured Mitchell Starc with recently called Pat Cummins for the third Test with an outside chance for Jackson Bird. After Australia sacked Mitchell Marsh and sent him home, there is a berth vacant for an all-rounder. The selectors will be confused as they have to choose from Marcus Stoinis, Ashton Agar and Glenn Maxwell.

As far as the Indian side is concerned Murali Vijay is expected to make a comeback after suffering from a shoulder injury in the Pune Test. Abhinav Mukund took his place but could not do justice to it as he did not score well in Bengaluru Test. If Vijay gets a nod ahead of Mukund he will be playing his 50th Test for India

Squads:
India: Lokesh Rahul, Abhinav Mukund, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli(c), Ajinkya Rahane, Karun Nair, Ravichandran Ashwin, Wriddhiman Saha(wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Murali Vijay, Jayant Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav

Australia: David Warner, Matt Renshaw, Steven Smith(c), Shaun Marsh, Peter Handscomb, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade(wk), Pat Cummins, Steve O’Keefe, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Usman Khawaja, Glenn Maxwell, Jackson Bird, Mitchell Swepson, Ashton Agar

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