New Delhi:
Australia have gained a firm grip on the Bengaluru Test while displaying a defiant batting performance to thwart Indian spinners on day two. The hosts begin the day three with a vital 48-run first innings lead after reaching 237 for six.
Australian batsmen showed commendable application to claim the upper-hand against the hosts.
Young opener Matt Renshaw (60) and experienced Shaun Marsh (66) battled hard against the Indian spinners. Their fighting half-centuries consolidated Australia's position in the match.
Live Match Scorecard, India vs Australia, Day 3
On a pitch aiding spinners, left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja (3/49), the home team's top wicket-taker, got to bowl only 17 overs compared to Ravichandran Ashwin (1/75 in 41 overs).
While Ashwin bowled a tight line and beat the bat on occasions, it was Jadeja, who looked like the most lethal among Indian bowlers. To their credit, the Australians gave a better account of themselves on a two-paced pitch.
Here are the live updates:
#India ends Day 3 with 213/4 in their second innings.The hosts took a crucial 126-run lead but Australians still very much on top in the context of the match
#Hosts make some sort of a comeback into the game courtesy Pujara-Rahane valiant partnership
#Pujara and Rahane continue to pile on the runs
# Pujara's valiant half century leads India's fightback
#Players break for Tea
# Australia look to be in a commanding position going into tea with the hosts stuttering at 122/4
#India on backfoot as Hazlewood clean bowls Jadeja
#Josh Hazlewood deals big blow, traps Indian skipper Kohli legbefore
#India lose second wicket as Steven O'Keefe picks up Rahul.Steve Smith pulls off a blinder to send Rahul back to the pavalion
#KL Rahul continues his good form, scores yet another fifty
#Pujara, Vijay going strong for Indians
#India puts 50 on the board
#Pujara joins Rahul at the crease
# Lyon strikes opening blow clean bowls Mukund
# Lunch called
# Mukund, Rahul take on the Aussies pacers with some attacking strokeplay
# Four!!! KL Rahul punishes Starc at deep mid-wicket
# Mukund and Rahul come out to open for India
# Australia all out with 87-run lead, Jadeja gets 6 wickets, scalps Hazlewood
# Jadeja strikes again. Lyon goes for a duck
# Out!!!! Wade departs, Jadeja
# New batsman Steve O'Keef comes to the crease now.
# Ashwin finally provides a breakthrough. After getting survived a couple of balls ago, Starc couldn't resisted more and walks back after Umesh Yadav takes a brilliant catch. Aussies now 7 wicket down.
# Australia take review and it has been a good decision. Nothing on Snickometer. Umpire changes decision. Starc is not out.
# What a delivery from Ashwin, ball in Saha's gloves and the team appeals. Starc given out by umpire Nigel Loung.
# Australia extends lead to 56 runs. Starc, Wade stable on the crease.
# Play starts on Day 3, players out on the field.
