Twitter Reactions: Virat Kohli’s run drought comes to end as India give competitive target to Australia on Day 3

Virat Kohli. (Source – Getty Images)

Day 3 of the ongoing third Test between Australia (AUS) and India (IND) of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2024-25), being played at the Optus Stadium, in Perth, began with the visitors extending their Day 2 lead.

India started the day at 172/0, with overnight batters KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal at the crease. The southpaw who was batting on 90 quickly reached the three-figure to bring up his fourth Test hundred and the fastest Asian to score 1500 runs after 15 Test matches. On the other end, Rahul who was looking solid to bring up his century, fell short as Mitchell Starc sent him packing at the score of 77.

Thereon, opener Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal stitched a 74-run partnership before Padikkal found himself walking back to the dressing, courtesy of a brilliant delivery by Josh Hazlewood. The Southpaw scored 25 runs off 71 deliveries.

Also Read: Watch: Virat Kohli gives flying kiss to Anushka Sharma after scoring his 81st century

Indian bowlers pick three quick wickets

Young Yashasvi then partnered with star batter Virat Kohli to further increase the lead. Jaiswla went to bring up another 150-run mark and was on his way to score his third double ton. While attempting a cut short, the lefthander gave an easy catch to Steven Smith at point and walked back after a fine 161-run knock, lacing his innings with 15 boundaries and three sixes.

From there on it was a masterclass of batting from the veteran Kohli. The 36-year-old looked in good shape and adapted to the conditions well and did not play any ambitious shot on the way. While on the other side, India lost two quick wickets in the form of Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel.

Kohli then stitched a crucial partnership with spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar and put up an 89-run stand. Sundar who was a good partner to Kohli, played his shots along the ground. But one delivery where he tried to attack Nathon Lyon misjudged the length and saw his stumps flying after a well-made 29. 

Kohli then took the onus along with debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy to make sure India reached a competitive total. Reddy played some aggressive shots and quickly reached up to 38 in no time. In his inning, he smashed three boundaries and two sixes. Furthermore, Kohli his 30th Test century, surpassing the legendary Don Bradman’s tally. Furthermore, it was Kohli’s seventh Test hundred on Australian soil. India declared at 487/6d.

Also Read: WATCH: Virat Kohli’s stunning uppercut six off Mitchell Starc hits security guard in Perth; video goes viral

Indian bowlers who were searching for one or two wickets early on to put extra pressure on the opposition, in return picked three wickets. Skipper Jasprit Bumrah sent back Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne, while Mohammed Siraj got rid of night watchman Pat Cummins. The visitors have reduced the Aussies to 12/3 and are on their way to registering a historic win and taking a lead in this five-match Test series.

Here’s how the fans reacted to Day 3 of AUS vs IND First Test: