Related Links : Australia in India 2008/09 | 2nd Test Scorecard
Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir provided a smashing unbeaten opening start yet again to power India to a second innings lead of 301 at stumps on Day 3. Australia were bowled out for 268, falling short of the follow-on target by just a couple of runs. India decided against the follow-on and went onto pile up the runs and also help the Mohali pitch deteriorate further.
India kept on having perfect session so far in this test match. The morning session saw an early departure of Mike Hussey (54 from 119 balls with 7 fours), the overnight batsman, who was forced to nick an away going delivery from Ishant Sharma. Harbhajan and Amit Mishra complemented Ishant’s efforts by cleaning up Haddin and White through their defences to make it 167 for 7.
Australia’s resistance finally came from Shane Watson and Brett Lee as the older ball didn’t have the same kind of bite anymore. But once the second new ball was taken, it was back to normal for the Indian bowlers and Harbhajan Singh produced the breakthrough by inducing Lee to edge one at slip to end a frustrating 73-run stand. Lee contributed 35 from 96 balls with 6 fours. Amit Mishra then got the remaining two wickets to finish up with a 5-wicket haul. Watson was one of his victims when he went back and got struck on the pads. The Aussies all rounder top scored in the innings with a well made 78 with 10 fours and a six while staying on for 156 balls. He was lucky to have got away from being given out lbw very early in his innings when Ishant Sharma had him plumb infront.
Amit Mishra had a perfect start to his test career taking 5 for 71 besides bowling 8 maidens in his 26.4 overs. The Indian openers Sehwag and Gambhir meant business from the first delivery that they had faced. Quick singles and blazing shots were coming at will from the two openers and the Aussies were just happy to wait for the close of play. India ended on a high note at 100 for no loss in just 23 overs with Gambhir on 46 and Sehwag on 53.