Sehwag takes 3 wickets but also Australlia back in battle……..

Australian top-order laid a solid foundation in reply to India’s 613 as they closed Day 3 of the third Test with 338 runs at the loss of 4 wickets in New Delhi. India were perhaps lacking the sense of urgency that characterised their victory in Mohali but they almost removed Hayden when his fierce drive off Mishra was put down by Kumble at short mid-wicket. Kumble cut a finger in the process and was forced to leave the field, which saw Mahendra Dhoni take charge of the team and he immediately brought Sehwag back into the attack.

Australia might have dominated day three of the third Test, but Virender Sehwag feels it will not be easy for the visitors to save the match at Ferozeshah Kotla ground.”The match is not in anyone’s favour as yet. It can go either way. We will have to see how it goes tomorrow morning,” Sehwag said after Australia closed their day at 338 for four in reply to India’s 613-7 declared.

Sachin Tendulkar and Mahendra Singh Dhoni congratulate teammate Virender Sehwag after he dismissed Australia’s Michael Hussey on the third day of the third Test match between India and Australia in New Delhi.

Hayden survived an over of devilish off spin from Sehwag before lunch and, soon after the restart, Kumble thought he had the left-hander caught at slip but his huge appeal was correctly rejected by umpire Billy Bowden. Part-time spinner Virender Sehwag three-wicket haul gave India some respite. Sehwag, who played the role of second spinner in the absence of injured skipper Anil Kumble, troubled Aussies with his turners third day of the third Test here on Friday. Mishra was unlucky not to get Hayden when Kumble grassed that difficult chance but Virender Sehwag ensured the lapse didn’t prove costly.

Resuming on 50-0 in reply to India’s 613-7 declared, Hayden (83) and Simon Katich (64) showed fine concentration in putting on 123 for the first wicket. Ponting (87) and Mike Hussey (53) then frustrated the hosts before both fell to Virender Sehwag (3-66).Michael Clarke and Shane Watson reduced the tourists’ deficit to  275 at stumps.

Sehwag said,”No batsman can be satisfied without scoring runs but I am happy to have contributed to the team’s cause. It’s my job,I have a chance to claim my first five-wicket haul.”

Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting weighed in with important knocks as Australia reached 338-4 on day three of the third Test against India in Delhi.

Indian team members congratulate Virender Sehwag after he took the wicket of Matthew Hayden as Ricky Ponting looks on, on the third day of the third Test between India and Australia in New Delhi.

By then, Katich had added 123 runs for the opening stand to give Australia a strong start and Hayden went on to raise another 79 runs with his captain Ricky Ponting (87).Hayden has been pretty much Zaheer’s bunny in this series but the opener decided he has had enough. Accordingly, Zaheer was hit for a couple of boundaries in the same over and the same treatment was meted out to Ishant Sharma later on.

Ishant Sharma lies on the ground after a failed fielding attempt on the third day of the third Test match between India and Australia in New Delhi.