Mon Dec 16 02:10:00 UTC 2024: ## India Faces Steep Climb After Australia Piles on Runs in Third Test
**New Delhi:** India faces a daunting task in the third Test against Australia after the hosts amassed a massive 445 runs in their first innings. India’s reply was disastrous, losing three wickets for just 22 runs before rain interrupted play. Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar believes India’s immediate goal should be reaching 246 runs to avoid the follow-on.
Australia’s innings was anchored by centuries from Travis Head (152) and Steve Smith (101), who shared a crucial 241-run partnership. Alex Carey also contributed a valuable 70 runs. Jasprit Bumrah led the Indian bowling attack with 6 wickets, while Mohammed Siraj took 2.
India’s shaky start saw the early dismissals of Yashasvi Jaiswal (4) and Shubman Gill (6), followed by Virat Kohli’s departure. The rain forced an early lunch, leaving India in a precarious position.
Gavaskar, commenting during the break, emphasized that avoiding the follow-on should be India’s primary focus. While he acknowledged that Australia might hesitate before enforcing the follow-on, he stressed that India shouldn’t give them the opportunity. He expressed confidence in India’s batting lineup, highlighting the potential contributions of KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Rohit Sharma. However, the team’s current performance has raised concerns among commentators and fueled speculation about internal team dynamics.
First Piper 