http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 in Mohali on Day 3
India has consolidated its position on day three of the first test against Australia, being played at Mohali on Sunday.
The hosts resumed their innings at the overnight score of 110/2 with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ishant-Sharma-c64566 at the crease.
The lanky Sharma resisted for a while, striking three fours in the process, but was eventually cleaned up by Bollinger for 18 runs off 56 balls.
Sharma, who was injured while bowling earlier in the match, hung around for an hour on day three before succumbing to the hostile Bollinger.
Sachin Tendulkar joined Rahul Dravid as the two veterans started off cautiously in their partnership.
In the meantime, Dravid completed yet another half century in test cricket in which he played some delightful drives, compiling 9 boundaries in all.
He reached the milestone in 92 balls and was looking set for another hundred. On the other hand, Tendulkar looked comfortable against the Australian attack as well.
Nathan Hauritz, the leading spinner in the Australian ranks, tried hard to extract some spin off the wicket yet the Indian masters of spin bowling looked unperturbed and solid against the threat offered by him.
Mitchell Johnson who was the chief wicket taker on day two accounting for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Virender-Sehwag-c95429 and Gambhir failed to add to his tally in the opening session of play.
The Indians added 81 runs in the opening session with Dravid batting on a well made 62 off 106 balls with the help of 10 fours, while the little master was batting on 21 off 38 balls.
The Australians are in for a hard time especially if they fail to add to their three wickets they have taken. The Indian batting order includes some seasoned pros and they are set to make the visitors grind in batting friendly conditions.
The next session is crucial to the Australian chances in the match, if the duo of Dravid and Tendulkar carry on in the same vein.
A key factor in the match after the lunch session is Nathan Hauritz who has to take a few wickets to make inroads in the Indian line-up.
Thus far, he has conceded 48 runs in 12 expensive overs and the next session will be crucial for him.
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