India finally manages to save the follow on by great innings of Rahane and Thakur in WTC final.
Australia got an early wicket of Bharat bowled by Boland. Then a strong 109 run partnership between Rahane and Thakur gets India back on track. Rahane made solid 89 runs while Thakur made a crucial contribution of 51 runs. Due to brilliant efforts of these two India is still in the game. Rahane was looking in great touch and he continued his form from Day 2. Finally Ind ended up his 1st innings total at 296 runs. Cummins was the highest wicket taker among the bowlers and took 3 wickets. Starc, Boland and Green grabbed 2 wickets each and Lyon with 1 wicket in his pockets.
Aus got a lead of 173 runs. In their 2nd innings Warner out cheaply and Siraj gave India their 1st breakthrough. Khawaja also did not convert his solid start into a big one. Steve Smith started well but he got out on 34 runs. Travis Head the centurion from the 1st innings only contributed 18 runs which includes 2 sixes also. Marcus is holding one end and goes not out on 41 runs. Jadeja took 2 wickets while Siraj and Yadav took 1 wicket each.
Ajinkya Rahane said after the match “ Painful but quite manageable. Don’t think it will affect batting. Happy with the way I batted. Had a good day today. We were looking to get 320-330, but overall we had a good day. Bowling wise we bowled well. Everyone chipped in. That was a really good catch. We all know he is a really good fielder. Has a big reach. Australia slightly ahead in the game. For us it is important to be in the moment, play session by session. First one hour will be crucial for tomorrow. We know funny things can happen. Jadeja bowled really well, footmarks helped him against the left hander. Still feel that wickets will help seam bowlers.”