Australia Swing to Set India a Challenging Target of 275
Australia's determined push for a win was stalled by the weather, as they posted 89 for 7 in their second innings, setting India a target of 275 from 54 overs, weather permitting.
In a dramatic post-lunch session, following only four overs in the morning, Australia's batsmen swung aggressively, but it was India’s bowlers who seized the moment. Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Usman Khawaja for the fourth time in the series, and India quickly reduced Australia to 33 for 5, thanks to a double strike from both Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj.
Travis Head and Alex Carey counter-attacked, adding a quick 27 runs off 22 balls, while Pat Cummins hit two sixes and as many fours in a brisk 10-ball 22. The declaration was made, and with just over 50 overs left, it was down to how many Australia believed was enough to create a result with their slim bowling attack.
India's openers, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, cautiously faced 2.1 overs before bad light prompted the umpires to call for an early tea break.
Earlier, in the morning session, India’s last-wicket pair added eight runs to their overnight total of 252 before Akash Deep was stumped by Head for 31, ending a vital 47-run stand that had helped India avoid the follow-on.
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