The Australians found a way back in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series, winning the third Test at Indore by 9 wickets to cut India’s lead to 2-1. Although the hosts still lead, Australia’s win has significant implications. Firstly, it spices things up for the showdown at Ahmedabad starting March 9. Secondly, the upcoming match becomes a must-win if India wants to seal their berth in the final of the Global Test Championships to be played at the Oval between 7 and June 11, 2023.
However, a key event grabbed everyone’s attention in the post-match press conferences. Australia’s regular Test Captain, Pat Cummins, had to fly home mid-series to attend to his sick mother. Filling in for him was Steve Smith, their former skipper. He was asked about his aspirations for full-time captaincy, to which Smith replied, “This is Pat Cummins’s team.” His reply sparked quick reactions on social media. Most fans were content with the humbleness the interim Aussie skipper showed.
Australia won the third Test by 9 wickets to change the series scoreline to 2-1
Regarding the match, India won the toss and decided to bat first on a spinning track managing just 109 runs in the first innings. Their regular weapon worked against them as India’s batters succumbed to Australia’s spin attack. Matthew Kuhnemann remained the pick of the bowlers for Australia, with five wickets in nine overs, conceding only 16 runs. Nathan Lyon had three scalps in the game, while Todd Murphy picked up the key wicket of Virat Kohli. Mohammed Siraj was run-out by Travis Head and was the last Indian matter to be dismissed.
In reply, the visitors reached 197, riding on an anchoring fifty by opening batter Usman Khawaja. Umesh Yadav, coming into the XI for Mohammed Shami, returned with three wickets in the first innings. India’s star spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin cleaned up the other seven batters picking up four and three wickets, respectively. India were again bowled out in the second innings, this time for 163, with Cheteshwar Pujara hitting a resilient fifty. Nathan Lyon had a day to remember picking up eight wickets, while Matthew Kuhnemann and Mitchell Starc picked up a wicket each.
Australia required only 76 runs to win on Day 3, a target they cruised to easily. There was one minor shock as Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed Usman Khawaja in the Day’s second ball. But, following the same, it was a smooth sail, and the Kangaroos reached the target within 19 overs.
Here’s how fans reacted to Steve Smith’s humble reply:
After loss . Rohit Sharma said "this is rahul dravid team.."?
— ?????_b (@b_shorya) March 3, 2023
Never seen rohit sharma saying this to Virat Kohli's team
— Saurav (@saurav_viratian) March 3, 2023
Inke yahan ego clash nahi hota kya?
— Cricket Fan 07 (@Manas_pr_sharma) March 3, 2023
Pat Cummins be like pic.twitter.com/L77JaAXInN
— Aditya Rajput (@Adityarajput24) March 3, 2023
— Shreyas Aher (@ShreyasAher7) March 3, 2023
Pat Cummins: pic.twitter.com/BFHv9vfjfG
— ?????? (@aayushiii_09) March 3, 2023
Pat Cummins right now: pic.twitter.com/ZeAGUEoZZ8
— Vidit ? (@Vid_itt) March 3, 2023
— Parnju? (@Pranjaljain079) March 3, 2023
