Kohli, Jaiswal Power India to Strong Position on Day 3

Srinagar, Nov 24  : Virat Kohli scored his 30th Test century and 81st overall in international cricket, leading India to declare their second innings at 487/6, setting Australia a daunting target of 534. Yashasvi Jaiswal also contributed with a solid 161, his fourth Test century. India dominated the third day in Perth, first through the bat as Kohli and Washington Sundar built an 89-run partnership, followed by a rapid 77-run stand with Nitish Kumar Reddy in just 8.4 overs.

Kohli played a calm and composed 143-ball knock, finding the boundary with well-timed drives. He reached his half-century with a flick to mid-wicket before declaring his century with a sweep to fine-leg for four. The two partnerships helped India put on a strong total before declaring and leaving Australia with a mere 27 minutes to bat on Day 3.

Australia’s chase started disastrously as India took three quick wickets in the final minutes. Nathan McSweeney, on his Test debut, was dismissed for a duck by Jasprit Bumrah, while Pat Cummins, promoted as night-watchman, was caught by Kohli off Mohammed Siraj. Marnus Labuschagne was trapped LBW by Bumrah just before the close of play. Australia ended the day at 12/3, needing seven wickets to avoid defeat.

Earlier in the day, Jaiswal and KL Rahul gave India their first 200-run opening partnership in Australia. Jaiswal brought up his century with a six over fine-leg and continued to play with confidence, riding the bounce of the pitch. Rahul was dismissed for 77 after being caught behind off Mitchell Starc.

Australia fought back briefly, taking four quick wickets. Devdutt Padikkal was dismissed for a duck, and Jaiswal’s innings ended at 161 after he was caught off Mitchell Marsh. Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel also fell cheaply, as Lyon and Cummins continued to press.

India now leads by 521 runs, with Australia needing to defy the odds on Day 4 to avoid defeat.

Brief Scores:
India 150 and 487/6 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 161, Virat Kohli 100*, KL Rahul 77; Nathan Lyon 2-96)
Australia 104 and 12/3 (Usman Khawaja 3*, Marnus Labuschagne 3; Jasprit Bumrah 2-1, Mohammed Siraj 1-7)
India lead by 521 runs.