An elderly man held a banner with the words: ‘India, it’s your game’. It was a cheeky inversion of Cricket Australia’s promotional slogan ‘It’s your game’, intended at attracting local fans still upset about the ball-tampering crisis that stained Australian cricket.
Inside the Optus Stadium, India attempted a similar role-reversal despite conceding a 43-run first-innings lead. A Sunday of fire-spitting bouncers and intense cricket has left the second Test on the razor’s edge.
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At close on the third day, Australia was 132 for four in its second innings, an overall lead of 175. The host has the advantage, but India could still wing back if it can restrict the remaining Australian batsmen. But a target beyond 200 could be cumbersome.
Trailing Australia’s 326, India scored 283 in its first innings, with Virat Kohli’s 25th Test century (123, 257b, 13x4, 1x6) being the spine.
Day 3: Test on razor’s edge after day of fire-spitting bouncers
Kohli, Rahane put India on top on day 2
Read: On no-ball issue, Ishant takes jibe at Australian media
Day 1: Australia claims opening day
