Australia defeated India by nine wickets in Indore, easily chasing down the target of 76 runs to bring the Border-Gavaskar Trophy scoreline to 2-1.
Trailing 0-2 in the series, the Steve Smith-led side took the early advantage after bowling out India for 109 in the first innings.
Without skipper Pat Cummins and David Warner, the visitors scripted a remarkable Test win, defeating India convincingly on a wicket that turned vociferously from day one. After winning the toss and batting first, the hosts were shot out for 109 and conceded an 88-run lead. India could only manage 163 in their second innings, with Nathan Lyon picking up 8-64 to turn the game in Australia’s favour.
Their chase of 76 got off to a rocky start when R Ashwin dismissed Usman Khawaja off just the second ball of the fourth innings, but they coasted along after that, reaching the target in 18.5 overs to hand India only their third Test defeat at home since 2013 in Tests.
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Australia have now clinched a spot in the final of the World Test Championship, while India will need a win in the fourth game, at Ahmedabad, to confirm a berth.
India, who have been accused of being “complacent” during the Test by Matthew Hayden were undone by the rank-turner, as their batting skills and overall approach were under the scanner.
That’s one of AUS’s best Test wins
Bouncing back from two extremely demoralising losses has shown great strength of character
Khawaja’s first innings knock full of class
Lyon reminding all he is still the #1 spinner
2-2 series scoreline a significant chance
🏏 #INDvAUS
— Glenn Mitchell (@MitchellGlenn) March 3, 2023
Biggest takeaway from this game is something you already knew. Om normal turning tracks, India are very difficult to beat. But exaggerated tracks equalise skills and give the other team a chance.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 3, 2023
Steve Smith has led AUS to more test wins in India than M Taylor, Ponting, S Waugh, Border and Clarke. A feather in Smith's cap.
Some decorated captains in that list. Always rated Taylor highly.
— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) March 3, 2023
Two things: very poor pitch that became a lottery. But, in the garb of a poor pitch don’t forget India’s batting in such conditions. Numbers don’t lie #IndvsAus
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) March 3, 2023
Only the 2nd time India have lost a home Test when Ashwin & Jadeja played together. Only other instance – Pune Test (2017) #IndvsAus
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) March 3, 2023
Australia’s two Test victories in India since 2004 – 2017 Pune and today – have both been on raging turners, overcooked pitches that have turned from ball one. They actually suit Australia more by diluting India’s spin advantage. #INDvAUS
— Andrew Wu (@wutube) March 3, 2023
For the first time, I am actually not unhappy that India lost: not only did Aussies play better, it’s time to call out the brazen attempt to win matches by preparing wickets that turn square with uneven bounce from ball one: test cricket can’t become a 2 day lottery! #IndvsAus
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) March 3, 2023
https://twitter.com/hazharoon/status/1631533542533373952?s=20
Spin pitch boomerangs on India. Have their batting to blame for the defeat. Bombed in both innings. But take nothing away from Aussie bowlers who turned the tables on the home team against heavy odds. My MoM Nathan Lyon
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) March 3, 2023
