Dinesh Karthik opines on what made difference in third Test between India and Australia

Dinesh Karthik. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Australia finally made their much-anticipated comeback in the Border Gavaskar Trophy after the visitors defeated India in the third Test by nine wickets. After India dominated the first two Tests of the series, it was high-time that the Aussies won a game, and they did just that thanks to sensational performances by Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, and Travis Head.

Indian wicketkeeper, batter, and commentator Dinesh Karthik recently came forward and reflected on India’s loss in the third Test. He opined that the change of ball on Day 3 made a huge difference in the match.

“The changed ball made a lot of difference. It was not as hard as they expected. Probably, it didn’t have the bite the ball could have had if it was harder. From then on things just turned completely Australia’s way,” Karthik said in a chat with Cricbuzz.

He also talked about Ravichandran Ashwin, who had been exceptional for the Indian team throughout the first two Tests. Karthik opined that Ashwin is a momentum bowler and that he troubled Travis Head a lot after dismissing Usman Khawaja early.

“Ashwin is a momentum bowler, when he gets a wicket, he generally adds two-three in his spell. Ashwin after that first wicket bowled a lot of balls that troubled Head,” Karthik said.

“Ashwin bowled really well in the first 10 overs, kept good length, but the moment they changed that ball, they were not happy with the ball, probably the stitches had given a little way near the leather,” the 36-year-old added.

Karthik also stressed importance of the boundaries that Travis Head hit while chasing

As Australia had a relatively easy target of 76 runs to chase to win the third Test of the series, it was Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne who stepped up and came through for their side.

Talking about Head’s knock, Karthik said, “It was critical over in the sense he gave away two loose balls a bit fuller, and from that moment Travis Head didn’t look back. He said that’s it, I’m on the charge now. I feel good, my defence is coming well. You make a small error, and the batter pounces on it. Yes, you’re chasing a low target, so the pressure was different. But Head made sure the moment he got those boundaries, he didn’t look back.”