Australia vs India, 3rd Test, India tour of Australia, 2018-19 - CommentaryAUS vs IND, 3rd Test, India tour of Australia, 2018-19 - Commentary

Harsha Bhogle: Great win. Memorable. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy stays in India.

Milan: "Ishant Sharma hasn't done much in this series. He is surviving in the team because of Bumrah and Shami!"

Harsha Bhogle: Covers off. Nice and bright for now even though there is a cloud around. But expected to be good. Start in around 25 minutes.

Stewart: "As an Aussie fan, I would not like Australia to earn a draw due to rain, especially when India are firm favorites to win. Hopefully we will get some play very soon."

Shuddhendu Mishra: @Anu - Life isn't always fair!

Anu: "It's very harsh for an Indian fan to wake up at 5 am on Sunday and get the news of rain delay."

Harsha Bhogle: Starting to lose time now.... This pitter-patter rain isn't good. Hopefully, the radar is reliable....

Harsha Bhogle: The radar is showing a bit more rain coming but clearing thereafter.

Harsha Bhogle: Raining at the moment but expected to pass. Fresh bowlers, new ball, overcast skies. India should look to wrap it up.

Harsha Bhogle: Good to see the generous applause from everywhere for Cummins' 50. He is drawing every ounce of energy he has and is one of the stars of the series.

Ayushman: "'Melbourne Rain Forecast' must be trending on Google."

Ankush: "Huge respect for Pat Cummins. He's played his heart out in this Test match!"

Ashwin Heda: "Looks like Australia's two best batsman are at the crease now."

Paresh: "It seems like extra half hour claimed by India is for Cummins' 50"

Hitesh: "Sam Curran in England and now Pat Cummins in Australia. A bowler is more effective against India rather than a batsman in overseas tours nowadays."

Jerin: "Will Cameron Bancroft be available for selection for the next match??" -- Yes, he is. But the chances of him playing are as high as Australia winning this one

Sapan: "Why is Bumrah not being given a go at the tail which he cleaned easily in the first innings?" -- They're probably saving him for extra time

Roshan Shetty: "Pat Cummins has been so good this series. The MVP for Australia this Series."

Rupdeep: "Where is Bumrah? Just 4 overs remain!"

Jacob Alias: "India's nemesis is back!! The tail comes to taunt again."

Jivanysh: "@Anurag It's not about having confidence in your batsmen. No sane side would want to bat last on this pitch, especially after all the hard work in the first innings."

Anurag: "@Ram, actually that shows the amount of him not being so confident about his batting side in 4th innings."

Dhruvrajsinh: "Pat Cummins has a good technique and he has kept the Indian bowlers at bay.. could be promoted a little higher up in the batting order."

Ram: "The fact that Kohli didn't opt for the follow on despite the rain forecasts shows the amount of confidence he has in his bowlers!!"

Soumya Saha: "Paine sledged Pant. Paine took Pant's catch. Pant sledged Paine. Pant took Paine's catch. Nice Test match cricket."

Raman: "Paine finally gets a break from Pant's constant chirping behind the stumps. He won't be too disappointed."

Lalit: "How many extra overs can be added if Aus are 9 down by the end of allocated overs?" -- 30 minutes

Savieo Joy: "Heard there are chances of rain tomorrow at Melbourne. Is is strong enough for the final day to get washed out?" -- There were 60% chances of rain today as well, and the only time it did was for five minutes during the lunch break. Get the flow .. ?

Niks: "Why is everyone is so desperate to bring back Bumrah? I know we need wicket but other bowlers can also take wickets." ---- He has been India's best bowler by a distance in this match.

Ajay: "Weather forecast for tomorrow at the Melbourne shows there is 90 percent chance of showers. India have to wrap-up the things by today."

VIVEK: "BRING BACK BUMRAH"

DKAnsh: "I think commentators should take rest when Paine and Pant are on the ground."

Parth Shah: "Kohli, please bring back Bumrah. Don't wanna get up at 5 AM on Sunday morning."

Abinash Das: "Jadeja will be Instrumental in holding one end up and enticing the batsmen to play false strokes. You miss I hit strategy. Team India pacers should finish the tail as soon as possible to have an additional rest day and possibly the best new year celebration."

Vipin Yadav: "The way Bumrah is bowling, he must be the bowler to watch in WC 2019. I think BCCI should limit the number of matches he can play in IPL to avoid him from injury ahead of WC."

Ashish Muley: "Has Bumrah bowled any slower delivery yorker to Marsh yet?" - Nope, he didn't need to.

Aakash: "How's the pitch playing?? Has scoring runs become easy or Indians are not bowling the right length?? No short pitch stuff from Indians??" - They're trying to identify the right length I would say. Perhaps find the Achilles heel.

Lalit: "I love you Cricbuzz." - I think we should just be friends.

Harsha Bhogle: The more you see the Khawaja dismissal, the more you realise what a good ball that was from Shami. But in spite of losing three, Australia are looking more positive.

Kiran: "If Jaddu is bowling from one end then at the other end there should be two different bowlers bowling this will enable bowlers to have more rest time between overs."

Subhash: "The love affair between Shami and second innings continue."

Tanmaya: "Loved the 2266 bones commentary. Hopefully rain will hold its wrath and we get to see the consistent display of fast bowling from the Indian pacers."

Harsha Bhogle: Jadeja to Khawaja is compelling viewing. As they say, something's gotta give

Bhaskar: "Australia are scoring runs at a very good rate. How much chance does they have to win this match?" ----- Considering the target they are chasing and the behavior of this pitch, I will give them around 2% chance.

arichard: "It is very important to keep the pressure from both ends. If Ishant is leaking runs then Shami should be given a chance soon."

Abhinav: "This will definitely be the last innings for Finch in Test cricket."

Raghu: "After watching Bumrah I believe after a long time India have found an exceptional fast bowler."

Ravi Rajyaguru: "Rishabh Pant has scored 25+ each in his 6 innings but he hasn't score a 50 yet. He has the technique & potential but needs to develop temperament."

Mohammad Habib: "I am from Melbourne, dark clouds are hovering over and I can hear thundering too. Better to declare ASAP, knowing Melbourne weather it can rain anytime."

Wasim MB: "Mayank Agarwal has proved his worth on his debut. I think we've got a strong opener with a good technique. He deserved this opportunity after scoring tons of runs in the domestic circuit."

Harsha Bhogle: Very interesting hour of play ahead. Think India will want to get to 400 as soon as possible and give themselves enough time given the weather around.

Harsha Bhogle: "What a day! 15 wickets, great fast bowling. Always the moving day! But you have to believe India already have enough."

Sirus D'souza: "Good decision by Kohli to bat again. This not only makes the match interesting for the viewers and gives hope to the Aussies, but also allows him to test his team in tough situations." - Tough situation? Perhaps the phrase you're looking for is self-engendered implosion.

Krishna Anandan: "Patrick Cummins has done just what Australia wanted. India still on track to reach 125-150 and set 400+ for Australia. The cushion of almost 300 runs might save India."

Harsha Bhogle: Well, well, well. Cummins might be making a declaration redundant.

Pratik: "India's batting order is stronger than Australia's bowling order?? or India's bowling order is stronger than Australia's batting order??" - Is Kohli better at batting than Marshall was at bowling?

Vamsi: "I don't know what India want to achieve by not enforcing follow-on and going with this slow run rate. Are they looking for a draw?" - Trying to avoid batting in the 4th innings, but the way their fast bowling has performed, perhaps they could be backed to keep the Aussies below 300. Putting the Aussies in on a tacky, crumbling surface might be a good plan, but the rain - oh the rain...

Kuldeep: "What's with this new trend of not enforcing follow-on these days?" -- Maybe something to do with the ghosts of 2001

Kundan: "@Rupdeep: Indian bowlers have bowled their heart out for 67 overs. And the kind of form Indian bowlers is in especially Bumrah, it will take 1 or 2 session for them bowl Aussies out if they remain fresh. I think it's a good and thoughtful decision."

Rupdeep: "India should have enforced the follow-on. Even if Australia batted out of their skins to post a lead of 100, even then India could have gone all guns blazing. On top of that, rain is around the corner so the decision to enforce the follow-on was a no-brainer."

Keshore: "Was really surprised at the amount of help the Indian pacers were able to extract on this surface despite the fact that both the sides bolster a very similar fast bowling unit."

Vinay: "Looks like Kohli is doing his bit to increase ticket sales for day 5"

Harsha Bhogle: Lead of 292. India decide to bat again. Only factor in favour of a follow-on was the forecast for rain. Maybe declare by lunch tomorrow. Even earlier if they bat quicker. Maybe bat about 50 overs for 160-170?

Harsha Bhogle: India have found a treasure in Jasprit Bumrah. So young and already so accomplished.

Prateek: "India should Invite Australia to bat again because Australia will be under pressure and could crumble again."

Anuj: "Shami has bowled well and he is looking dangerous. Not a good sign for the Aussies."

Gocool: "With chances of rain, it is better to enforce follow on and try to take wickets as quick as possible, instead of batting again and piling up the lead and end with no result."

Ankesh: "India just need to open up the tail. Paine can become a pain soon if he remains for long in the crease."

Kaarthik: "India should not make Australia follow-on because it will be tough to bat 4th on this pitch."

Bishnu: "What is happening here? I just woke up and after seeing the score I was baffled, It was a flat but slow pitch isn't it?" ------- Indians have bowled beautifully and every now and then pitch has misbehaved.

Harsha Bhogle: With every minute, Pujara's innings looks more valuable.

SANJAY SHARMA: "INDIA should make Australians follow on if the deficit is above 250."

Yagyansh: "Boom is on fire. This is as good a spell as any. He will definitely have a page for himself in the history of Cricket when he finishes his career. The speed with which he learns and executes is simply mind-blowing. Who can say that he made his debut this year only and is only 10 matches old."

Sushant Shekhar: "Write down! This guy is going to be a Legend. Bumrah You beauty."

Harsha Bhogle: Australia might have to go back to Sheffield Shield cricket to search for top order batsmen. This is the easiest time ever to break into the Aussie side as a batsman.

Raghav: "Bumrah is a gem of a bowler."

Roo pesh: "Absolute fantastic guile from Bumrah, Play of the Match! Nobody saw that coming, neither his teammates nor the commentators and especially not Shaun Marsh!"

Kunal Ved: "This opening pair is clearly not working for the Aussies. I reckon they need to push Finch down the order, he looked more vulnerable to the new ball. Marsh should open instead."

Bebin: "With two left-handers at the crease, Vihari from other end will be handy."

Shankar khajurkar: "India's problem isn't picking the Aussie top order wickets but the tailenders' wickets."

Harsha Bhogle: India won that hour but Australia will be very concerned by what they saw in that first over from Jadeja. One kicked up dust and another kept low!

Kartik Uprit: "Marcus Harris should learn a lesson or two from the debutant Mayank Agarwal, He also started his innings the way Marcus did but then paced the innings later very patiently showing some real maturity.

Shreyash: "The problem is with Jadeja finishing his overs quickly, Shami won't get much rest between the overs."

Wasim MB: "Appalling shot, zero patience.by Harris. One team batted for two days showing huge patience, needs to learn what's happening around !! Bumrah though deserved a wicket."

Bandi Vishal: "I think Virat just persisted with Ishant to play on Finch's mind in spite of him not getting much movement off the air unlike Bumrah and Shami who are hit the deck, seam bowlers."

Saikrishna: "Ishant is doing a Ricky Ponting to Finch, almost always clinching up his wicket. Good to watch Ishant bowl to these two Aussie batsmen."

Anshul Gupta: "I think this would be the Test match where we would see Bumah picking up his first 5 wicket haul of this tour. He has bowled too well in this tour to not get a 5fer."

Rodney: "Two Aussie openers with no international test hundreds to their name? The sky is falling!"

Shubhansh: "Who was saying it's a slow wicket, the bounce that Bumrah and Ishant are getting shows how lively this wicket is."

Harsha Bhogle: I cannot believe Australia have Pat Cummins in readiness to come out as nightwatchman. He bowled 34 overs pounding the ball in on a slow deck and was on the field through. If anything, the next batsman should say, you rest I'll bat.

Abhishek: "I clearly don't get it, if the plan was to declare today then why didn't they attack to get as many runs as possible." ---- We are also finding it tough to fathom.

Jatin Chawla: "Decided to declare without showing any signs of urgency of scoring runs. Strange decision but it's the correct time to attack the Aussie openers as they must be really tired."

Harsha Bhogle: An uncomfortable 25 minutes of batting for Australia. You can't lose on this track with 443, so India looking to squeeze something out of the 2nd day.

Praveen: "When are India planning to declare?" ---- By the looks of it there is no plan to declare today.

Sanooj: "It's time to speed up the scoring rate since India have reached a safe zone. Rohit and Pant can do that."

AC: "Under any circumstance, Mitchell Marsh's inclusion was really helpful. With already more than 150 overs bowled, he's acted as a real relief for the main pace battery. Though he couldn't take any wickets but he turned out to be real economical."

Trevor: "Second Drop of the morning, looks like the wheels are coming off for the Aussies"

Anant: "Australia are doing an India from the 90s with the way they are dropping catches."

VK: "@Bijnan! Facing the third new ball and facing the first spell of a Test Match are two different things. He can't be judged as an opener with the way he bats after 160 overs when his team is 380/5."

Pratik: "You know the pitch is slow when Pant scores at a strike rate of less than 20!"

Bijnan Mishra: "Just wanna see how Rohit bats after 160 overs when the 2nd new ball becomes available. If he bats well he can be a choice for a new opener for the 4th Test."

Deep: "Pant has to play sensibly to ensure that India gets to a good total. Hitting out in grounds as big as in Australia is not the same as the pocked sized groups used for IPL games."

PR: "I think we need to make a distinction between flat and slow pitches. Flat pitches are the ones found in India or the 2014-15 Aus v Ind, pitches where RR is easily 3-4. This one is a slow pitch with variable bounce aided by good bowling from a world-class line-up. So I think India's RR is justified."

Regina Phlange: "Lyon vs Rahane- 9 dismissals. Lyon vs Pujara - 8 dismissals. Lyon vs Kohli- 8 dismissals. Agreed but these guys have already scored some good runs before getting dismissed eventually.. so not a real threat to me."

Vishal Honparkhe: "Ravindra Jadeja must have had a smile on his face seeing the way Rahane got out!"

Girish: "Does Rohit's low strike rate (lesser than Rahane) beat the whole purpose of including him in team? He was supposed to take on bowlers at one end and accelerate. That's what I had heard from Kohli during toss." -- No what you heard from Kohli was him playing well with the tail

Karan: "It's time for Indian batsman to create some rough patches for Jaddu, by running, sliding etc.." -- Now, now, you don't say things like this in public

Rahul: "I think it is because we have not seen high scoring Test matches recently. Agreed, it is a bit on the slower side, but isn't patience and attrition what Test cricket is all about?"

Sudhakar Amboji: "Should India change gears at this stage? Last time they tried it and ended up losing 5 wickets for 25 runs (2nd inning of first Test, from 283/5 to 307/10)"

Pulkit Jain: "I don't think this is an easy pitch to bat at all. Indian batsmen have actually applied themselves really well with all the body blows they took. Some balls rearing from the surface and others keeping too low."

Divyanshu Gola: "Is a pitch entitled to be labelled as 'flat' if the run rate is below 2.5? I think there is still something for the bowlers." -- No, no, this is by no means flat, it's sluggish

Sourabh: "Rather than scoring quickly, India should try and get to the 450-500 run mark. With the pitch deteriorating and the quality of bowling they have, India can possibly bowl out Australia twice within 500 runs."

Karan: @Bharath: If he (Rahane) is underrated, then he would not be the vice captain.

Mayank: "Paine getting into the head of Rohit Sharma! Nice contest there!"

Shiv: "Hows the pitch behaving? Is there an opportunity for India to push for a win provided they get 450 or is it too flat a pitch where result is tough to get?" --- It's mostly a flat deck but every now and then it is misbehaving.

Bharath: "Rahane has been the most underrated gem of India. He'll block when the team is 20/3, he'll start smashing when the team is 200/3 and he'll lead the side whenever he will be asked to. A true team player."

Rudra: "This pitch is showing some tricks here. Bumrah and Jadeja will be very interested."

Harsha Bhogle: Pujara goes after a magnificent innings but the Aussies will be concerned at the manner of his dismissal.

Harsha Bhogle: An innings of restraint, almost denial. Don't normally use those words to describe a Kohli innings.

Karan: "About time for Kohli to change gears?" - Soon. Plus, there are enough people to do that - Pant, Rohit still to come.

Rupesh: "Don't know why people are already so eager to call this a poor pitch. Why not give some credit to the batsmen and also blame some poor luck of Aussies." - On closer inspection, the pitch needs to assist the bowlers a little at least, particularly when the ball isn't. Good bowling hasn't got its rewards, and the batsman has had to play really poor shots to even create chances.

Bandi Vishal: "Kohli can take a leaf out of Pujara's book on how to face Lyon. Superb footwork throughout the series."

Harsha Bhogle: We keep asking if Kohli is the next Tendulkar. Time will tell but that on-drive off Hazlewood was all Tendulkar

Harsha Bhogle: Cummins vs Kohli and Lyon vs Pujara have been the contests of the series

Shrey Chhabra: "Nothing better than staying awake all night to study for your exam and then witness 'King Kohli' reach his fifty right before getting ready for school."

Harsha Bhogle: Was hard work but India can be satisfied they won the day.

Deeps: Will the ball compulsory changed @ 160 overs or will it be changed after 162 overs as it has taken 2 overs late. "If Australia are still bowling, the next new ball can be taken at the start of the 163rd over"

Shreehari: 40,83,74* Indian Batters are doing right job in terms of partnership. That too coming from top order.

Caleb: Considering how flat this pitch is, the Australian bowlers have done an exceptional job to keep the score as low as it is. Paine has also done a great job with his field placements.

Keshore: One of those things that Australia would ponder upon is that how Starc has been blowing hot and cold. For them to dominate India at least one of their pacers had to literally breathe fire. The fact that their pacers haven't quite hit their straps yet has been a big setback for Australia.

Sharath Kumar: What is the crowd count today in MCG? "Around 72,000 - which is a record for an India-Australia Test at the MCG"

Karthik: @CB - is this the best series for Pujara outside Asia?? He is scoring quite consistently here even though there are not many big scores but definitely significant ones. "He's a lot more consistent now, with hundreds in both England and Australia"

Prithwiman mitra: It's very important that India posts a 375+ total in the first innings, with the odd ball already keeping low, it is imperative to cancel out what Lyon and Co. might inflict in the second innings. Winning a good toss must be cashed in.

Chandra: What would be the good first innings total score on this MCG pitch? "Alastair Cook made a double-hundred himself last year"

Dipen: Is Lyon carrying any niggle? Surprised to see him not to bowl against Kohli till now." --- He jarred his knee into the turf trying to slide in the outfield. Michael Clarke suggests on air that could be the reason. But he's still on the field, so can't really take that on face value. "Time Paine heard you"

dibya: What is the update about Shaw's injury. Will he able to play the remaining tests? "His next Test might be only on the tour to West Indies after the 2019 World Cup"

Abhishek: It seems to be a flat pitch. Hardik would have provided some rest to the quick bowlers had he played. We shouldn't forget that our fast bowlers have bowled a lot this year, you don't want one of those to get injured at such a crucial point in the series. "Jadeja can do the same and more effectively"

Amit Yadav: "He (Archie Schiller) can easily rip through the Indian batting order if he bowls today though." - He seems to be a popular choice, and has already become a crowd favourite.

Chilambarasan: "Will Archie Schiller 'The co-captain of Australia' Bowl today?" - He can certainly exploit the rough outside leg-stump if it's available with his leg-breaks.

Vijay: "So its the pitch for Cummins and Bumrah, isn't it??" - OMG, totally what I was thinking! *Insert Chandler Telepathy GIF*

Ashfaq: "How was the atmosphere when Kohli came to bat?" - Electric as usual. Boo or cheer, you knew all eyes were on him.

Harsha Bhogle: Fine debut for Mayank Agarwal. May not have been a hundred but he played like he belonged. Pat Cummins has been excellent and has shown that if you want something out of this track you have to put a lot into it. He has hit the deck harder than any other bowler.

Shiv: "How is the pitch playing? Is it excellent batting that India is 1 down or too flat??" - Rather docile, but India have done well to combat some inspired Australian bowling in the second session. And it's two down now.

Priyank: "Hoping to see a great competition between a tired Pat Cummins and a fresh Virat Kohli!!" - Pat Cummins hardly tires, and Kohli's always fresh. There we go - that's a contest.

Krishnanunni: "How do you rate Vihari's innings? A touch too slow or situation demanded it?" - He could have capitalized on scoring opportunities more. And if not the situation or the pitch, the hard new seam of the ball certainly demanded survival. He's done the playing-out-new-ball bit well, but missed out on scoring. Done more than enough for a makeshift opener.

Ashvarya: "@George Singh: Your comment would have been relevant if posted probably 2 years back. Yes, but I still fill that if he adds to his repertoire a ball coming back into left-handers, he will be a massive threat. Meanwhile, Well played Mayank Agarwal." - That's a good point. He relies on the pitch to move it away, whereas he can actually swing it in. Never really developed an outswinger, did Ishant...

Sharath: "In flat tracks , Pujara's strike rate is quite questionable." - The very premise of talking strike-rates and not situations or sessions is questionable in Tests. He knows how to play time and play sessions, and he knows how to play his shots as well. He's been a vital cog in the top-order in all the overseas tours this year.

Sachin: "Mayank hasn't got any sponsor for his bat. He will get a number of offers now. A very long career, he has ahead, surely." - Far too difficult to tell. With so many formats and options in the modern era, the scope for false starts is higher than ever. Wishing him the best for his future though!

MK: "Definitely MSK is right, Hanuma is not long term solution. Shaw + Mayank = long-term solution!!!. Maybe.T&C apply" - 'If they do well'? Gee, Sherlock.

George Singh: "Why is Ishant Sharma still in the team.??. Apparently he has to be dead before he is dropped.What a useless player." - Au contraire, he has probably been at his best in the last couple of tours since the 2007/08 Australia series. He's been full, moving the ball, and he's been amongst the wickets as well.

Harsha Bhogle: India won't mind the position they are in at lunch. Getting hotter so the sun will bake the pitch a bit. Very impressed with Mayank Aggarwal.

Subham Kundu: Becoming a massive fan of Vihari. His 8(66) is the best innings I have seen him play. He has done a massive favour to India seeing of the new ball with Mayank.

Harsha Bhogle: Brave of Hanuma Vihari to volunteer to open the batting but this dismissal and the bouncer that came earlier will be noted by opposition teams around the world.

Kaushik: Would the lbw decision have been reversed on review? The batsman was 3m down the ground and in that case the on field call stays? "No, it would have stayed with the on-field call, doesn't matter now though"

Venki: This batting pair reminds me of Sehwag and Akash Chopra of famous Aussie tour in 2003-04. Sehwag scores most of the runs and Akash at the other end stood rock solid.

Rags: It's good to see stabilized opening pair, but they are still at beginning stage. Generally we get excited to see someone new and if they fail we want other player (old or new). So, lets wait and see.

Shardul: Last few games at the MCG in the Shield have seen the teams scoring big in the first innings every time. Scores in the second innings have gone down drastically so maybe the toss could turn out to be the deciding factor here

Harsha Bhogle: Interesting! Spin in the 8th over! Changing times..

Nikhil: Great to see the composed head of these two new openers! VJ and KL, something to learn about maybe?

TrusharK: Good start!!! Is it because of good batting pitch or quality openers? "Looks like the best batting surface of this tour so far"

ZubZ: Well Starc and co are in for a long day or days. Mitch Marsh coming in was a good decision. Our big 3 are always the main priority. Will miss Handscomb's fielding though!

Jayant: Early signs from the pitch CB? "Looks flat, good toss to win for Kohli"

Shan: #TeamSelection - Though not a big fan of Hardik, would have preferred him over Rohit, as he brings in another bowler into the mix.

GOKUL: Everything happens for a good reason... All these waits just leading to make your debut in the boxing day test, when the teem needs you desperately. Really happy for Mayank Agarwal

Pradeep: I think india have gone with the right choice. Vihari has opened in ranji trophy and bats at no 3 for his state. He should be equipped to handle situations better than Rohit as an opener in this test.

Anaamak: Mayank deserves the slot as he has done everything he could do. It's always good to try new things when the conventional options are not working. Rohit is always dangerous with the tail. Quick 40-50 runs could dent Aussies confidence and that's where RoHIT comes into play!!.

Harsha Bhogle: Ground starting to fill. Fair bit of grass on the track. Lovely weather today. 1-1 with 2 to play. 9 great days of test cricket so far with another 5 in prospect. Doesn't get better.

Commentary not available for this match