In a gripping turn of events during the pulsating World Test Championship clash, Australian skipper Pat Cummins inadvertently handed a lifeline to Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur, leaving the cricketing world in awe and the Australians in despair. Day 3 saw the pendulum of fate swing back and forth, with dramatic no-ball decisions casting a shadow over the crucial contest.
No-ball saves Shardul
As the sun-drenched stadium eagerly awaited the final over before lunch, Cummins, brimming with confidence, delivered a lethal inswinger that jagged into the stumps from outside off. Shardul Thakur, who had valiantly resisted the Australian attack, took an audacious stride across his stumps, attempting to flick the ball into the leg side. But fate had different plans, as the ball cannoned into his pads, prompting the umpire to raise his finger in a heartbeat. A collective roar erupted from the Australian camp, signaling jubilation.
However, destiny played a cruel trick on Cummins, casting an eerie déjà vu from the previous day. A review was initiated by the vigilant Ajinkya Rahane at the non-striker’s end, and the dreaded replay revealed that Cummins had overstepped yet again, a heartbreaking déjà vu for the Australians. The umpire, with an air of finality, reversed the decision, and Shardul Thakur survived to fight another battle. The Australians were left shell-shocked, their hopes dashed in an instant.
Cummins’ déjà vu
This was not the first time Cummins’ misfortune had haunted the Australians. On Day 2, in a pivotal moment, the speedster had rattled the stumps of Ajinkya Rahane, who was still finding his footing at the crease. The crowd erupted, sensing a significant breakthrough for Australia. However, the review revealed the agonizing truth – Cummins had overstepped once again, depriving the Aussies of a crucial wicket.
The ramifications of that missed opportunity were proving to be catastrophic, as Rahane showcased his resilience and skill, standing tall with an unbeaten 89 at the lunch break on Day 3.
Rahane-Shardul save India from humiliation
Earlier in the day, India had stumbled at the start, losing KS Bharat to the relentless Scott Boland on just the second ball of the morning, and the grey clouds of a follow-on loomed over the Indian team’s head. It seemed as though the Australian bowlers had found their rhythm, only to be confronted by the dogged determination of Shardul Thakur and the ever-steady Ajinkya Rahane.
The duo stitched together a remarkable partnership of 108 unbeaten till lunch, frustrating the Australian attack and breathing life into the Indian innings. Their valiant effort saw India, who had begun the day at 151 for the loss of 5 wickets, amass a resilient total of 260 for 6 by the lunch interval on Day 3.
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