The third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Brisbane provided plenty of drama as India fought to stay in the game against Australia. A key moment on Day 5 saw Virat Kohli take charge of strategy, leading to Steve Smith’s dismissal, sparking discussions across social media.
Kohli’s Tactical Intervention
During the 11th over of Australia’s second innings, Mohammed Siraj was bowling his fourth over with Steve Smith at the crease. Rohit Sharma suggested that Siraj should bowl around the wicket, believing it would make things harder for the batter. However, Virat Kohli, passing by during the change of ends, intervened with a different plan.
Kohli encouraged Siraj to stick to bowling over the stumps but use a scrambled seam delivery, aiming to attack the stumps while setting a deeper square-leg fielder to capitalize on inswing. The stump mic captured the exchange:
Rohit to Siraj: “Where are you bowling from?”
Siraj: “Over the stumps.”
Rohit: “Bowling over the stumps will make it easier for the batter to open up his stance.”
Kohli to Rohit: “No, no, let him bowl from over the stumps. If he bowls that scrambled seam delivery, there’s a higher chance of getting him out. Set the square leg a bit deeper for the inswing and let him bowl at the stumps.”
The plan paid off instantly. On the final ball of the over, Siraj bowled a good-length delivery on middle stump that angled in and slid down the leg side. Smith shuffled across to glance it fine but ended up edging it to Rishabh Pant behind the stumps.
Rain Disrupts Play Again
Rain continued to play spoilsport in Brisbane. Play was halted twice on Day 5, first due to bad light and later due to heavy showers, forcing an early tea break with India at 8/0 while chasing 275.
Australia’s Aggressive Declaration
Earlier, Australia declared their second innings at 89/7, setting India an improbable target. The declaration came after the visitors were bowled out for 260 in their first innings, trailing by 185 runs. Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah, however, rattled the Australian top order during their second innings, reducing them to 33/5 as both pacers tore through the batting lineup.
A Match Full of Twists
Australia had dominated most of the match after posting a strong first-innings total of 445. However, India’s lower-order resistance on Day 4, led by their pacers, ensured they avoided the follow-on. Despite the drama, rain has made the outcome uncertain as both teams wait to see if play can resume for a result.
The match has showcased strategic brilliance, with Kohli’s decisive call highlighting the importance of leadership and tactics in the heat of battle.
