Nobody saw that coming - Netizens react after Australia beat India in third Test in Indore

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Indore, March 2: Australia made a strong comeback in the series beating India by 9 wickets here at the Holkar Stadium to reduce the four-Test series deficit to 1-2.

The result means Australia have qualified for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, while they make India wait for a spot which could be confirmed with a win by the hosts in the final Test.

Chasing a small target of 76, Australian openers Usman Khawaja and Travis Head walked out to bat. But, Ravichandran Ashwin gave India a terrific start by dismissing Khawaja on the second ball of the day.

Later, Marnus Labuschagne and Head batted sensibly with their defensive play, stopping India from getting any more wickets, and once they were set they shifted gears.

Head started the onslaught by hitting boundaries and sixes which helped the visitors notch up the 50-run mark in 14.2 overs.

After Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja failed to dislodge the batters, pacer Umesh Yadav was introduced into the attack but even he failed to make an impact.

Labuschagne went on to hit the winning run as Australia chased down the target in 18.5 overs. Head remained unbeaten on 49 while Labuschagne was not out on 28.

Following the match, there were many reactions from former cricketers, experts and fans about the manner in defeat, Australia's comeback and the Indore pitch.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar said the turning point of the match was Ravindra Jadeja dismissing Labuschagne of a No Ball in the first innings.

"That no-ball cost us the match," Gavaskar said on Star Sports Network referring to Jadeja's error on the first day of the match.

"Labuschagne was on 0 at the time and then went on to share a 96-run stand with Usman Khawaja, That changed the match."

Gavaskar had also expressed frustration about the same on commentary during the match when the no ball was bowled to dimiss the Australian batter on Wednesday (March 1).

"This is not acceptable. He [Ravindra Jadeja] has won a couple of Man of the Match awards but a spinner bowling a no-ball, I think Paras Mhambrey [bowling coach] has to sit down with him and make him bowl from behind. This could cost India," Gavaskar said.

While Gavaskar pointed out the possible turning point of the match, former New Zealand pacer Danny Morrison expressed surprise at the result after the first two matches.

"Many didn't see that result coming after first two test matches!!!" tweeted Danny Morrison.

Meanwhile, a few questioned the pitch and India's ability to play on spinning wickets. Except for Cheteshwar Pujara none of the Indian top order looked comfortable playing on the wicket.

Former Indian cricket S Badrinath also created a thread on why all the three matches ended in three days.

"Let's discuss.... Reasons why all 3 test matches finished with in 3 days ?" tweeted Badrinath. "1)-Conditions (pitch ) has been spin friendly has to be said."

"2)- To bat longer on harder tracks requires skills at technical ,tactical & mental levels, seriously lacking in both sides."

And few fans also carried placards aiming at a message to the state associations and the BCCI to stop selling tickets for day 4 and 5.