India’s Axar Patel plays a shot during the third day of first cricket Test match between India and Australia in Nagpur on February 11, 2023
| Photo Credit: K.R. Deepak
Axar Patel hit a career-best 84 to stretch India’s first innings lead to a massive 223 as they were bowled out for 400 at lunch on the third day of the opening Test against Australia here on Friday.
The left-hander, who was overnight 52, looked calm and was in control to give India a solid batting depth at No. 9 in his career-best knock that came off 174 balls (10x4s, 1×6).
Pat Cummins (2/78) cleaned him up at the stroke of lunch. Debutant Tod Murphy returned impressive figures of 47-12-124-7.
All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja made 70. Mohammed Shami also contributed with a 47-ball 37.
Brief Scores
Australia 1st innings: 177 all out in 63.5 overs
India 1st innings: 400 all out in 139.3 overs (Rohit Sharma 120, Axar Patel 84, Ravindra Jadeja 70; Todd Murphy 7/124).