In a significant blow to India’s chances, Ajinkya Rahane lost his wicket shortly after Virat Kohli’s departure, marking the team’s sixth wicket at a score of 212 runs, with 232 more needed for victory. The dismissal came as Mitchell Starc claimed Rahane’s wicket, caught by Carey. The delivery was slightly fuller than a good length, and Rahane, enticed by the ball outside off, attempted a drive but ended up edging it. It was a straightforward catch for the wicketkeeper, leaving Rahane to rue his shot selection.
Despite Starc being expensive throughout the match, he managed to remove India’s top-scorer in this Test. Rahane, who had scored 46 runs off 108 balls, including seven boundaries, knew that he had made a mistake.
With the fall of Rahane’s wicket, India’s last hopes of a successful chase have been further diminished. The remaining batsmen now face the daunting task of scoring the remaining runs against a disciplined Australian bowling attack. The pressure is mounting as India’s chances of victory dwindle, and they will need a remarkable batting performance to turn the tide in their favor.
