Australia has been dominating till now in the third Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy being played at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. Despite losing the toss, the visitors, who were trailing 0-2 before the start of the match, took a valuable 88-run lead in the first innings by bowling India out for 109 runs.
Australia then bowled out the home team for 163 in their second innings to ensure they had a modest 76 to chase when they came into bat on the third day. It would be beneficial to say that at this stage Australia need less than 100 runs to win the match and their top-order has already shown the kind of composure they have in the first innings.
Cheteshwar Pujara was the best batsman for India on the second day. The right-handed batsman scored 59 off 142 balls and proved to be a tough man to beat even with a spin attack that wreaked havoc on the Indian batsmen. Eventually it was Nathan Lyon, who took 8 for 64 in the second innings, that got rid of him but it took a special effort from captain Steve Smith to get him out.
Smith positioned himself at leg slip position and took a one-handed stunner to dismiss Pujara. The Australian skipper initially went the wrong way but quickly recovered and took a fine low catch to end the Indian batsman’s innings before catching the ball with his outstretched right hand.
Journalist Andrew McGlashan described the catch as the greatest you will ever see, while former England cricketer and journalist Simon Hughes speculated that it could be a match-changing incident.
Here’s the catch:
Could this be a match turning catch? @SteveSmith49 dismiss @cheteshwar1 set for 59 #INDvAUS #Classic pic.twitter.com/RFHO4lEdWV
— Simone Hughes (@theanalyst) March 2, 2023
one of the most spectacular catches you’ll ever see#INDvAUS
— Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket) March 2, 2023
This certainly hampered India’s plans as they were ideally looking to set Australia a target of at least over 100, but Pujara’s wicket meant that their tail was exposed early and they were able to reach their target. Couldn’t add more to the total.
