Australia vs India 2018: Twitter Reacts as India Strengthens Grip on Sydney Test

Australia ended the third day’s play on 236-6 after bad light stopped play and eventually the day was called off early. Thus, it was another dominating day for the tourists as they took six wickets. On the other hand, the hosts are still trailing by 386 runs and are staring at the barrel of the gun.

Meanwhile, Australia got off to a steady start with Usman Khawaja and Marcus Harris, with the latter taking on the aggressive role. However, Khawaja was also looking good before he made the mistake of trying to follow his opening partner’s footsteps. The left-hander decided to take on Kuldeep Yadav but only found Cheteshwar Pujara at mid-wicket.

India has a vice grip on the match.

In fact, Australia won the first session of the third day’s play and also their first of this Test match as they added 98 runs after losing a solitary wicket. Marcus Harris once again impressed with his shot-making as he catapulted his attack on the Indian spinners.

The southpaw batsman dance down the track to get to the pitch of the ball and punished the bad balls from the Indian spinners. In fact, Harris went on to score three boundaries in one over of Kuldeep Yadav to stamp his authority.

Australia would be disappointed.

However, the left-hander could not get to his maiden Test hundred as Ravindra Jadeja provided the breakthrough just after the Lunch break. The southpaw was looking to cut the ball but only chopped it back on to the stumps. Harris scored a fine 79 which is not only his best Test score but also Australia’s best individual score in this series.

Harris wicket opened the floodgates as Indian spinners asked the right questions. Shaun Marsh played a lose shot whereas Travis Head got out on a soft dismissal. Kuldeep Yadav bowled beautifully to take three wickets whereas Ravindra Jadeja took two wickets.

Furthermore, Ajinkya Rahane took a ripper to sent back Marnus Labuschagne who was looking good during the course of his innings. The Sydney track is a batting paradise and the hosts must have been kicking themselves for missing out on the big score.

Here is how Twitter reacted to the third day’s play:

Australia's batsmen are in such a rush… to get back to the dressing room.

— Ashish Magotra (@clutchplay) January 5, 2019

This isn't yet a threatening pitch. India have bowled very well and Australia's batsmen have helped with some ordinary batting.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 5, 2019

for a whole generation, what is unfolding is truly remarkable..an indian team bossing it in Australia, batting big, bowling with sustained pressure, catching smartly and just making the home team gasping to stay afloat..#AUDvIND

— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) January 5, 2019

Ricky Ponting on Australia's complaints that wickets have been too flat: "If they’re flat, get some runs on them." #AUSvIND

— Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket) January 5, 2019

It will be over tomorrow. @imkuldeep18 and @imjadeja will run through. The rain has also stayed away. India sniffing 3-1 here.

— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) January 5, 2019

India has won the series so not worried !!! Hats off to Team India !But I wanted to see emergence of at least one good batsman from Australia, sadly doesn’t look possible. #IndvAus

— Vikram Sathaye (@vikramsathaye) January 5, 2019

Australia's ability to play spin is woeful. Day 3 pitch at Sydney is a road.

— Rodney Hogg (@RMHogg) January 5, 2019

Tactically I like the way Kohli kept manoeuvring those leg side fielders. As a batter that’s a nightmare to constantly have to change your angles when the ball is coming in like that! Eventuated in a wicket. Well played.

— Alyssa Healy (@ahealy77) January 5, 2019

Marcus Harris' 79 is Australia's highest individual score in this series. If no one scores more, this will be Australia's 2nd lowest "highest individual score" in a Test series of 3+ games.

Australia's highest individual score during the 1888 3-match Ashes series was 32 #AUSvIND

— Sampath Bandarupalli (@SampathStats) January 5, 2019

Loved the way Kohli has set fields today. In fact, in most parts this series. Bowlers have responded beautifully too… #AusvInd #7Cricket @7Cricket @1116sen

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 5, 2019

It’s almost comical how much better Cummins is than the specialist batsmen #AusvInd

— Tristan Lavalette (@trislavalette) January 5, 2019

Great 2nd session for india took 4 wickets.. game set for india.. I think we r winning the series 3-1 what do u say guys ? ????✅??

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) January 5, 2019

It’s still a pitch that’s not producing wicket taking deliveries but then this Australian batting line up has the ability of making average deliveries into wicket taking.?#AUSvIND #MatchDay

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) January 5, 2019