Australia won their first session of the final and fourth Test match against India as they added 98 runs in the opening session of Day three. Marcus Harris got off to an aggressive start whereas Usman Khawaja took a sedate approach. Harris took on the Indian bowlers, especially spinners and decided to play with the long handle.
The southpaw batsman who has impressed with his compact technique was able to hit the ground running in the opening session. On the other hand, Usman Khawaja was more circumspect in the first half-an-hour of the day’s play. However, Khawaja decided to change the gears after settling into the crease.
It was Australia’s session.
Khawaja attempt to follow his partner footsteps didn’t pay dividends as he was dismissed by Kuldeep Yadav, who scalped his first Test wicket on Australian soil. Khawaja tried to go for the big shot but could not get the connection he would have liked.
Consequently, Khawaja holded out to Cheteshwar Pujara at mid-wicket. However, Khawaja departure didn’t have any effect on Marcus Harris aggressive play. Harris continued with his aggressive shot-making and decided to take on the Indian spinners, also hitting Kuldeep Yadav for three fours in one over.
Harris aggressive play forced the Indian skipper to have a defensive field and the host’s batsmen picked easy singles. With 622 runs in the bag, Virat Kohli’s captaincy was once again questionable. Harris has thus far scored 77, which is his best Test score.
Furthermore, Australia’s rookie number three Marnus Labuschagne also looked good for his stay. The right-hander also has a compact technique and played the Indian bowlers with aplomb. Australia still has a mountain to climb and would like to keep batting the way they batted in the first session.
Brief Scores: Australia: 122-1, Marcus Harris: 77 (109), Kuldeep Yadav: 1-40
