World Test Championship (2021-23)

Match khatam hai bro - Fans unhappy as Day 3 of WTC 2023 final ends with Australia holding upper hand 

Day three of the WTC final ended with Australia leading by 296 runs and favourites to win the summit clash.

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Rohit Kumar
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WTC final

WTC final (Source: Twitter)

India will be pleased with their effort and outcome on Day 3 of the World Test Championship (WTC) final at The Oval on Friday. Resuming at an overnight score of 151-5, India finished their first innings on 296 thanks to a valiant partnership between Ajinkya Rahane and Shardul Thakur for the seventh wicket. However, with a 296-run lead at stumps on Day 3, Australia are the happier side.

India got off to a poor start as they lost KS Bharat on the very second ball of the day. However, Rahane and Thakur did not let their guard down as they put on a century partnership to keep India in the hunt. However, Australia broke the dangerous stand soon after lunch to take back control. Rahane missed out on a well-deserved century by just 11 runs, while Thakur's half-century also played a big role in India overcoming the follow-on scare.

After India were dismissed for 296, David Warner and Usman Khawaja opened the batting for the Aussies in their second innings. Mohammed Siraj gave India once again an early breakthrough by removing Warner for just 1 run. Marnus Labuschagne and Khawaja then survived the 11-over burst before Tea. However, India managed to get the wicket of the southpaw and dangerous Steve Smith in quick succession. Ravindra Jadeja gave another breakthrough by removing the first innings centurion Travis Head.

Speaking after the game, Rahane said: "Happy with the way I batted. Had a good today. We were looking to get 320-330 but overall we had a good day. Bowling wise we bowled well. Everyone chipped in. Australia slightly ahead in the game. For us it's important to be in the moment, play session by session. First one hour will be crucial tomorrow. We know funny things can happen."

A lead of 296 runs is already huge on a tough pitch and Australia are clearly the favourites to win the Ultimate Test. India will aim to get quick wickets on Day 4 and that is the only way for them to gain an upper hand.

Here's how fans reacted to Day 3 of WTC 2023 Final: 

 

India Australia WTC