India’s woes continued on Day 3 of the World Test Championship final against Australia as wicketkeeper-batsman KS Bharat fell victim to a brilliant delivery by Scott Boland, resulting in an early dismissal. India, who began the day at 151/5 in response to Australia’s formidable total of 469, suffered a setback as Bharat failed to connect his defensive push, leaving his stumps shattered.
Boland’s inclusion in the playing XI proved to be a shrewd move by Pat Cummins, who opted to start the day with the talented bowler instead of Mitchell Starc. With limited exposure to Boland in the past, the Indian batsmen struggled to read his variations, and cricket pundits had predicted his ability to trouble the Asian giants on this pitch.
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Unfortunately for Bharat, he appeared completely at sea and managed to score just 5 runs in the first innings before succumbing to Boland’s delivery. His dismissal further compounds India’s challenges in avoiding the follow-on, with dark clouds looming over Rohit Sharma and his team at the Oval.
Social media was flooded with criticism directed at Bharat, as fans and trolls alike expressed their disappointment with his underwhelming performance in Test cricket. The absence of Rishabh Pant, who is still recovering from injuries sustained in a car accident last year, was keenly felt by Indian cricket supporters.
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As the match progresses, India faces an uphill battle to stage a comeback and salvage their position in the World Test Championship final. The pressure is mounting on the remaining batsmen to deliver and help their team mount a competitive total against the dominant Australian side.
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I think this might be the last we’ve seen of KS Bharat in the Whites
Next series, they might go with Ishan and later in the year Pant might be back
— Vinesh Prabhu (@vlp1994) June 9, 2023
I think this might be the last we’ve seen of KS Bharat in the Whites
Next series, they might go with Ishan and later in the year Pant might be back
— Vinesh Prabhu (@vlp1994) June 9, 2023
Rishabh pant watching walking wicket KS Bharat #WTCFinal2023 pic.twitter.com/DV1GMhRoGZ
— Appaji Goldbelt (@AppajiGoldbelt) June 9, 2023
Finding those people who compare KS BHARAT with ISHAN KISHAN.#INDvAUS #WTCFinal pic.twitter.com/Had2CkG2Sg
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohrai) June 9, 2023
KS Bharat could not survive the first five minutes of the game. Bowled without adding a run.
Rishabh Pant was such a big asset pic.twitter.com/oj1JzCnXvv— Abhinav Rajput (@Abhinavrt) June 9, 2023
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