Border-Gavaskar Trophy: India’s Innings victory over Australia on Third Day in Nagpur Test

Nagpur: India defeated Australia by an inning and 132 runs in the first Test of the four-match series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Aussies were bowled out for 91 on the third day of the Nagpur Test on Saturday after India had taken a 223-run lead. The highlight of this match was R Ashwin’s 31st 5-wicket haul.

India, who have won the last 3 Test series against Australia, now have a 1-0 lead in the current edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In the second innings of the Nagpur test Australia were bundled out for 91 in only 32.3 overs.

R Ashwin struck in his first over (the second over of the Australian innings), to dismiss Usman Khawaja. It was followed by Ravindra Jadeja’s dream comeback with the wicket of Marnus Labuschagne.

Australia were three down with Steve Smith left to bat with the likes of Matt Renshaw, Peter Handscomb, Alex Carey and the tail. After a golden duck in the first innings, Renshaw managed to score only 2 before being sent back by R Ashwin who continued to work his magic. Ashwin trapped Peter Handscomb lbw soon after. R Ashwin then picked up the wicket of Alex Carey.

With this 5-wicket feat, Ashwin equaled Anil Kumble’s record for most five-wicket hauls in India. Both Kumble and Ashwin now have 25 five-wicket hauls in India. While Kumble has 36 five-wicket hauls in Tests, Ashwin has achieved it on 31 occasions.

At the start of play on the third day, India added 79 runs to their overnight score and extended their already impressive lead to 223. Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja had defied Australia with an 88-run partnership for the 8th wicket. Then Mohammed Shami joined Axar Patel to further pile up 52 for the 9th wicket.

India and Australia will play the second Test of the 4-match series in Delhi from February 17.