India and Australia are currently in action in the third Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series in Indore. The hosts have completed the first target of their series by retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. India won the last two BGT series at Australia making a 2-0 lead halfway through the series enough to retain the silverware in their hands.
However, India have more serious targets in mind as they take on Australia in Indore. The ongoing Test could end up being a crucial game for the hosts as they need to win the current series 3-0 or 3-1 to qualify for the coveted final of the Global Test Championships to be played at the Oval between 7 and 11 June 2023. Moreover, a win in the ongoing series would mean a third-consecutive Test series win for the hosts against Australia. They have won the last two BGT series in Australia.
India is struggling at 71/6 at the end of 22 overs on Session 1, Day 1 in Indore
The Indore pitch surprised everyone with the amount of spin it produced on the first Day. The average spin for the turners on Day 1 was 4.8 degrees compared to 3.8 in Delhi and 2.5 in Nagpur. Although India won the toss, Australia have made the best out of their turn bowling first. At the end of 22 overs, India were struggling at 71/6 with the wicketkeeper batter KS Bharat and Axar Patel on the crease for the hosts.
All six wickets were picked up by spinners as India tasted their own medicine in Indore. Left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann has been the pick of the bowlers for Australia so far taking 3 wickets. Nathan Lyon picked up two while Todd Murphy picked up the crucial wicket of Virat Kohli who looked in good touch for his 22 off 52, the highest score by any India batter till that point in the game.
Here’s how fans reacted to spinners lighting up the stage in Indore:
Indore ka turn hai yaa Dilli ki sardi
— Cricket Fan 07 (@Manas_pr_sharma) March 1, 2023
It's bounce that is more dangerous than spin itself
— ABHI (@Awsome_Abhi) March 1, 2023
And King Virat Kohli showing why he is the G.O.A.T.
— Aarav (@sigma__male_) March 1, 2023
Live spectators on the ground get cheated. 3rd class pitch
— Dogra Clan (@realityudh) March 1, 2023
Ahhhaaa pic.twitter.com/pUx5UuBHZQ
— RP (@meerkali7781) March 1, 2023
Embarrassing pitch this even if we win
— Prantik (@Pran__07) March 1, 2023
hit just 12 runs after getting 3 chance just Hitman things pic.twitter.com/EFDU6atMXy
— RK (@MahiGOAT07) March 1, 2023
This pitch is made for KL Rahul… Bring that GOAT ASAP!
— Aiden Markram & KL Rahul IT Cell (@pullsh0t) March 1, 2023
