India need a ‘miracle’ in WTC Final: Chopra
Australia have a lead of 296 runs with six wickets in hand
Former opener and renowned commentator Aakash Chopra believes that India need a miracle in order to win the ongoing World Test Championship Final against Australia at the Oval.
Pat Cummins produced a vicious bowling onslaught to leave India battered and bruised as Australia took a 296-run lead on Friday.
Australia's four-man pace attack claimed nine wickets between them to dismiss India for 296 in their first innings, with captain Cummins picking up three scalps.
Australia will resume day four on 123 for four in their second innings with Marnus Labuschagne batting on 41 along with Cameron Green on seven.
Earlier, Ajinkya Rahane blocked out the drama engulfing his teammates at the other end of the pitch as he top scored for India with 89, while Shardul Thakur survived some painful hits to his arm to contribute 51.
“Rahane and Shardul kept India's hopes alive on Day 3, but the chances of winning are starting to look bleak. But we can always hope for a miracle, we've done it before against Australia,” Chopra tweeted.
Meanwhile, pacer Mitchell Starc said that Australia haven’t decided what an ideal target for India will be in the second innings.
“I haven’t spoken to Pat (Cummins) yet, so I don’t know and it’s not my decision, but I think we will keep batting for now,” Starc said after the close of play on day three.
“We have still got two days to play. The weather’s been good and I think it’s warmer tomorrow. Hopefully the pitch starts playing a few more tricks but as far as I know it, we are still going to be batting tomorrow,” he added.
However, Rahane insisted all was not lost for India.
"Australia are slightly ahead of the game," he told Sky Sports. "In the morning the first hour will be very crucial. We know funny things can happen."
