India’s Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay turned around the third day of the Mohali Test with a blazing batting show that left Australia shell-shocked.
We’ll bring you the live coverage of the action throughout the fourth day from 2.30 pm AEDT on Sunday.
At the end of the first session of the third day the Australian hopes would have risen to levels not seen before this series, with the lower-order having added 135 runs to their overnight score.
Mitchell Starc was unfortunate to miss his first first-class century by a run after Steven Smith became the first to get out in the 90s on the day.
Still a score of 407 looked good enough on a track that accorded turn for the spinners and showed intermittent signs of reverse swing.
That was till debutant Dhawan joined Vijay and took over the PCA Stadium in Mohali in a 58-over show that yielded 283 runs without loss.
Plenty of records went down including one that saw Dhawan become the fastest scorer of a century on Test match debut, an 85-ball effort that broke Matt Prior’s record of 100 off 105 balls in his first game.
At the other end Vijay seemed to be continuing from where he’d left off in the second Test, defending out the good deliveries while taking advantage of anything remotely loose.
Dhawan did not stop at his century either. As if to prove that his first 100 wasn’t a fluke, his next 81 came in even time as well to help him end unbeaten on 185 (168 balls).
A double-century on debut has been achieved only five times before this and Dhawan’s boundary-filled knock deserves a 200 as much Smith and Starc did their respective 100s but it remains to be seen if he gets there on the fourth day.
More vitally what seemed like a game where an Australian win or a draw were the only two possible results has now a distinct chance of India emerging on top as well.
A lot, however, depends on how the pitch goes on to behave on the fourth day and its corresponding deterioration, with the second Australian innings proving to be crucial in this rain-affected encounter.
If India can push on and get to 150 in front with around 115 overs remaining, there will be every chance of them making a late run for a 3-0 scoreline.
Australia, on the other hand, need to pick early wickets to stall the quick scoring that was on display today, failing which they could face another long day in the office.
Live coverage of the game begins from 2.30 pm AEST, half hour before usual time on Sunday and you can add your opinion in the comments section below.
avinash
Guest
it is so interested game, i like so much. But today why not 'Shekhar Dhawan' not to play...this game wins the india.
Nick Richardson
Roar Guru
which ones more likely him breaking down or breaking the stumps. I'd go with breaking down
JGK
Roar Guru
Siddle does have the very significant advantage of not being likely to break down in the middle of a test though.
matt h
Guest
I'm inclined to go for Harris, Pattinson and one of Bird/Starc for the Ashes. Siddle is a Harris/Pattinson clone, but not as good as either
Red Kev
Guest
It was pretty clear on the tv replays - dead in line. 3:58 this video http://www.foxsports.com.au/Cricket/the-wickets-t3-d4/video-e6frf3g3-1226599407573?subcat=1226583333344&site=FoxSports
Simba
Guest
100% agree Dynamite. Top order wickets are what counts. And Siddle just doesn't trouble top order batsmen (unless the pitch is really bouncy, in which case I'd prefer Johnson anyway). I wish Starc and Siddle would do with the first new ball what they seem to be able to do with the second...
jameswm
Roar Guru
Come on, it pitched outside leg, though not by much.
Nick Richardson
Roar Guru
again?
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
It was pitching on the leg stump line, so yep, it was pitching in line with the stumps.
Harry
Guest
Thanks ... my odds ... Evens for both an India win and a draw, and Australia 10/1 for a win (If wickets did tumble in the 4th innings, they could shut up shop fairly effectively I'd imagine as it would be the quicks doing the damage in all likelihood ... and we only have 2!)
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Welcome mate, hope you had a good sumptuous India meal too :)
dynamitedave
Roar Rookie
Please remind siddle he's supposed to get the frontline batters out. Not the tail. I don't care how he looks as he bowls, or how hard he tries. In fact I'm glad I can't see the coverage. BUt sadly now we will see this rubbish about him being the leader of the bowling stock, and he'll front up for the final test and take 2 for 150.....but look like he tries....
Johnno
Guest
Thanks Suneer as always, awsome mate.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
98 overs tomorrow, starting at 9 am local time (which works out to be 2.30 pm AEST). Don't think any extension's possible beyond the official end time unless the 98 overs are not completed, irrespective of the state of the game.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
This Test match has moved on very quickly from the first rained-off day followed by Australia getting to 0/139 on the first day. We are in the third innings of the match with Australia having gotten themselves to 3/75, trailing by a further 16 runs. A potential of 98 overs possible on the last day and given how the spinners have been getting grip from the wicket, it could be a tester. All results are still possible. If Australia bat out the first session and get themselves a 2/100 kind of a score and build on from there like in the first innings, they can put pressure on the Indians in the fourth innings. It could then be an ODI-like run-chase for India where the hosts will need to decide whether or not to go for it. On the other hand if Australia collapse like they have in the second innings of this series, India will be favourites to nudge off the 100-odd runs they will need to make. Clarke's still to bat with his back playing tricks but Allan Border made an excellent point during commentary - his back gets alright overnight a lot of times which could well be the case here too. All in all, a very fascinating final day's play in store which you can follow with me by giving your comments or you can listen to the live radio commentary with the Roar experts here: http://www.theroar.com.au/2013/03/17/roar-radio-is-now-live-australia-vs-india-third-test-mohali/ Ciao!
Harry
Guest
Well played Phil Hughes, must have taken mental strength that effort ... hope he can get started tomorrow and give Australia a (very slight) chance ...
Harry
Guest
Do you know what the playing conditions are tomorrow Suneer? (Or anyone) Presume they start half an hour earlier (to make for day 1 washout), and 100 overs minimum? Can they extend if there is the possibility of a result?
maulindu
Guest
GO INDIA GO
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
So that's that then, end of the day's play with Australia having wiped out 75 out of the 91 runs but having lost three wickets. Hughes is looking good, the only time he's done that this tour, with a 50 to his name, while he has a night watchman for company at the other end.
Harry
Guest
What did they take today? 10 wickets for just over 200? And 13 (with 1 over to go) all up for the day ... IF Aus can get a lead of 170 (at least) in front, could be a fascinating last session ... perhaps wishful thinking I know, but hope springs eternal ...