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Ajinkya Rahane and Virat Kohli added 262 runs for fourth wicket on day three at the MCG

Dec 28, 2014
Melbourne

Centuries from Ajinkya Rahane and Virat Kohli ensured that India showed some kind of a fightback on the 3rd day of the 3rd Test between India and Australia at the MCG.

After loosing Cheteshwar Pujara and Murali Vijay cheaply in the morning, Rahane and Kohli batted with abundance and took the attack to the Australian fast bowlers. Rahane in particular was impressive in attacking anything short that was bowled to him and he took the charge in the partnership with Kohli.

Virat Kohli showed the maturity in the best innings that he has played on this toured and he let Rahane play the attacker's part. Ajinkya Rahane was severe when it came to short bowling from Mitchell Johnson and Ryan Harris.

Rahane hared to his highest test score of 147 and his 3rd century of his test career. After his dismissal, the debutant KL Rahul had a short but adventurous stay at the wicket. He was dropped of his second ball by substitute Peter Siddle, before getting out to Lyon, trying to sweep him out of the Melbourne cricket ground.

Australia struck back with quick wickets of MS Dhoni and R.Ashwin to go on the top, before getting the prized wicket of Virat Kohli, who was brilliantly caught by Brad Haddin off the bowling of Mitchell Johnson in the last over of the day's play. Kohli made his highest score in test cricket with this matured innings of 169.

India are now 68 runs behind with 2 wickets in hand. They will pray that the tail wags and they can at least wipe off the deficit and then hope to bowl out Australia for something reasonable to chase on the final day.

 Fact: The partnership of 262 between Ajinkya Rahane and Virat Kohli is the second 250 partnership in 90 years on this ground by a visiting team.
The last such partnership was when England openers Jack Hobbs and Herbert Sutcliffe posted a 283 run stand in 1925.

Australia: The most successful side in the history of the tournament. The Australians were struck with sad news recently as a teammate, brother and friend was to pass on playing the game he loved. Phil Hughes got struck with the ball, and later passed away in hospital; news that shook the world. Now Australia are taking on the Indians in an exciting series.

Australian Cricket Team

The first Test match went down to the wire. David Warner, Michael Clarke and Steve Smith were the chief contributors and the players to watch for Aussie. They are jointly hosting the competition with New Zealand and will look to claim the spoils. On their day the Aussies can be both brilliant and horrible. A game comes to mind, against Zimbabwe a few months ago as the side failed to win that match in the Tri-series in Harare. There is no side more at home than the Australians as they seem to know how to handle the pressure of a global showpiece. They have won it a record four times, but not since 2007 when they completed the famous hat trick tournament.

The new generation is upon us and is well capable of world domination. A comprehensive 4-1 thrashing of the South Africans asserted a mental reminder that they indeed are there to reclaim what they believe was made for them: The Cricket World Cup.

Key players:

Michael Clarke the captain is a key player in this team. His leadership, decisions and attitude have contributed in the turnaround and rebuild process of this side. Australians will hope that the hamstring tear was not the end of what has been a great career.

Steve Smith and David Warner are explosive batsmen who can change the game with their introduction. The two are among the best big hitters in the game and will play a key role should Australia win the World Cup. The all rounder Smith has had the armband thrust upon him after Clarke got injured. We await the World Cup.

Australia are my favorites to win the World Cup.

Article contributed by: Benedict Chanakira

Twitter: @bchanakira2