Resuming the day on 146 for 3, India added just three runs before seamer Kyle Jamieson trapped Virat Kohli plumb in front before the Indian captain could even further his overnight tally. VVS Laxman was impressed with Jamieson’s probing line and length, especially with how he set up his Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper.
Jamieson had an able ally in Neil Wagner. The left-arm quick had dismissed the well-set Shubman Gill the previous day, but the prized scalp was that of Ajinkya Rahane. The Indian vice-captain got his eye in and looked all set to complete his 24th Test fifty when he fell prey to Wagner’s bouncer. VVS Laxman feels the short-pitched stuff is becoming a nemesis for the 33-year-old.
Rahane, the sixth wicket to fall in India’s innings, eventually turned out to be the final nail in the coffin. Kyle Jamieson finished with yet another fifer – his fifth in 8 Tests – as India wilted in the face of seaming conditions to be snuffed out for a paltry 217.
“India’s batsmen didn’t really have the right answers” – VVS Laxman
When two set batsmen in Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane strode out to resume the innings on Day 3, India looked set to top 300 in the first innings. That they fell 83 runs short of the desired target, VVS Laxman opined, was due to a lack of temperament and discipline.
The Kane Williamson-led side is comfortably ahead in the game, but India might just be saved. The forecast for Day 4 doesn’t look promising, and with just two more days left – including the reserve day – it looks likely that the first-ever World Test Championship (WTC) crown would be shared.
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