3rd Test: Kumar strikes as Australia struggle

Tourists lose three early wickets in second-innings against upbeat India.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar claimed three wickets as Australia were reduced to 75 for three, still trailing India by 16 runs in the second-innings on day four of the third Test in Mohali.

Kumar rattled through the top-order early on but an unbeaten 53 by Phil Hughes helped the struggling tourists recover slightly.

The right-arm fast-bowler got rid of openers David Warner and Ed Cowan early and then dismissed Steven Smith to peg back the Australians.

Earlier, India resumed at 283 for no loss and were all out for 499 for a lead of 91 in the first-innings.

It looked like India would gain a healthier lead when openers Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan started proceedings. However, spinner Nathan Lyon dismissed the debutant Dhawan soon enough.

Mitchell Starc then got two wickets and Peter Siddle finished with a five-for as Australia hit back after a disastrous third day where Dhawan tamed their bowling attack.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 18^th, 2013.