Rampaging India eye WTC final spot against down and out Australia

The third Test between India and Australia, held at the Sydney Cricket Ground, was an intense encounter that showcased the sheer determination and resilience of the Indian cricket team. With the series level at 1-1 and the World Test Championship (WTC) final spot up for grabs, the Indian team put up a dominant display to take a 2-1 lead in the series.

After winning the toss, India captain Ajinkya Rahane elected to bat first on a pitch that had a tinge of green. The decision proved to be a masterstroke as the Indian openers, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, put up a solid partnership of 70 runs before Gill was dismissed for 50. Sharma, on the other hand, went on to score a magnificent 131, his first century outside Asia, and was well supported by Cheteshwar Pujara and Rahane, who scored 50 and 22 respectively.

The Australian bowling attack, which had been dominant in the first two Tests, looked clueless against the Indian batting lineup, and the hosts were unable to capitalize on the early wicket of Gill. The Indian batsmen showed great patience and composure against the likes of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon, who had wreaked havoc in the previous matches.

In reply, the Australian batsmen struggled against the Indian bowlers, who were on top of their game. Jasprit Bumrah, who had been relatively quiet in the series so far, picked up four wickets, while Ravindra Jadeja, who was playing his first Test match since 2019, was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets.

Australia were bowled out for 338, with Steve Smith top-scoring with 131. In the second innings, India's bowlers were even more impressive, as they dismissed Australia for just 312, despite a valiant effort from Cameron Green, who scored his maiden Test century.

With a target of 407 to win, India made a strong start, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill putting up yet another solid partnership. However, after the dismissal of Sharma, the Indian batsmen stuttered, with Pujara and Rahane failing to make an impact. It was left to the young wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, who scored a swashbuckling 97 not out, to guide India home to a famous victory.

The win not only gave India a 2-1 lead in the series but also put them in a strong position to qualify for the WTC final, which will be held at Lord's in June 2021. India now need to either win or draw the fourth Test to secure their place in the final against New Zealand.

The win was a testament to the fighting spirit of the Indian team, who had been written off by many after their humiliating defeat in the first Test. It also showed the depth of talent in the Indian squad, with players like Jadeja and Pant stepping up in the absence of the injured Ravichandran Ashwin and the out-of-form Wriddhiman Saha.

The series has been a fascinating contest between two of the best teams in world cricket, and the fourth Test promises to be another thrilling encounter. With India looking to seal their place in the WTC final and Australia looking to salvage some pride, fans can expect another intense battle between bat and ball.