With an exceptional straight drive off the new ball, Indian skipper Virat Kohli scored a much needed fighting knock for the visitors on day 3 of the second test in Perth. The Indian run machine pumped his glove up and down as he scored his 25th ton taking 127 innings, only behind Sir Don Bradman (68). India are 252/7 in the second session on Day three and trail by 74 runs.
By attaining this milestone, Kohli equaled Indian cricket icon and legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar for most hundreds by an Indian batsman in Australia.
On Day three, Aussies looked to bowl the overs quickly and get the second new ball as Nathan Lyon started the proceedings in the first session of Pert Test. Skipper Kohli took strike on the first ball of the day. Australia got just the star they needed. Lyon picked fourth wicket off the fourth ball of the day in form of Ajinkya Rahane (51).
Rahane’s departure came as a big blow for the visitors. The number four batsman was expected to take his side as close to the home team's first innings total as possible. Kohli and Rahane shared a 74-run stand before the unbeaten 90 partnership on day 2.
After Rahane’s departure, Hanuma Vihari arrived early in the morning to join Kohli with a steady head and high elbows in the middle. However, yet another promising stand came to an end after Vihari edged Hazlewood’s delivery through to the keeper.
Just before Lunch, India suffered double strikes towards the end of the session in form of skipper Kohli and Shami. While a loose drive outside off on a good delivery balled by Pat Cummins got Kohli out for 123(257), deadly Aussie spinner Lyon dismissed Shami for a golden duck. Shami suffered a back-to-back golden duck in this series after today’s dismissal.
With the current situation, any lead will come in handy for India as it won't be easy batting fourth on the Perth Pitch. Rishab Pant (14) is still batting on the crease as the Australian bowling attack will look to bundle up the tailenders of the visitors as early as possible.