India vs Australia 3rd Test: Smith and Labuschagne Lead Australia's Fightback

 India vs Australia 3rd Test

The match began with India winning the toss and electing to bowl first on a green wicket that promised to assist the fast bowlers. India's pace attack, comprising Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, and Umesh Yadav, started off strongly, removing both Australian openers cheaply.

India vs Australia

However, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne had other plans, as they put together a brilliant partnership to resurrect the Australian innings. Smith, in particular, looked in imperious form, playing some delightful strokes all around the ground. Labuschagne, on the other hand, was happy to play the anchor role and support Smith from the other end.

The Indian bowlers continued to toil hard, but the Smith-Labuschagne partnership refused to break. They went on to add 176 runs for the third wicket, with Smith bringing up his 31st Test century in the process. Labuschagne was unfortunate to miss out on a hundred, falling for a well-made 81 to Umesh Yadav.

Australia's lower order chipped in with some valuable contributions, with Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins adding 36 and 22 runs respectively. However, the Indian bowlers did well to restrict Australia to a total of 337, with Shami, Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja picking up three wickets each.

In reply, India got off to a shaky start, losing opener Rohit Sharma early to Mitchell Starc. Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli steadied the ship with a solid partnership, but Pujara's dismissal just before the close of play gave Australia the edge. India finished the day on 96/2, still trailing Australia by 241 runs.

Overall, it was a day dominated by Australia, thanks to the brilliant partnership between Smith and Labuschagne. However, there is still a long way to go in the match, and India will be looking to bounce back on Day 2. With the likes of Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, and Rishabh Pant yet to bat, the Indian team will be hoping for a strong performance in their quest to take the lead in the series.

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