Kia Oval Talking Points: Ajinkya Rahane gives India a sliver of hope

The Cricketer looks at the main talking points on day three of the World Test Championship final between Australia and India at the Kia Oval

Movement That Inspires play of the day

Ajinkya Rahane returned to form to delight his fans. His 89 was his best Test score since his 112 against Australia at the MCG in 2021/22, 29 innings ago.

He had a few lucky escapes, but passed 5,000 runs in Tests. Shardul Thakur played an immensely plucky innings too. Three times in one over Pat Cummins hurt him, on the forearm and then twice on the glove.

He was brave and played some thrilling shots, however, including cover-drives and square-cuts to help India avoid the follow-on. This seventh-wicket stand was worth 109. It gave India some hope, although in all probability Australia will go on to win this Test still. 

Ajinkya Rahane made a first-innings 89 for India against Australia [Getty Images]

Take The Lead, Drive Electric moment of the day

There was a farcical moment towards the end of the India innings that energised their fans. Cameron Green appeared to have trapped Mohammed Siraj lbw.

The India tailender reviewed it immediately, but the Australians to a man ran off the field. Some felt that this was disrespectful. When the replay showed Siraj had got an inside edge, the Aussies all had to come out again to the absolute glee of India's fans, and many of England's on social media.

The innings ended five balls later, though, as Australia showed their ruthlessness.

Australia celebrate an Indian wicket on day three at the Kia Oval [AFP via Getty Images]

England's Ashes notes

There was plenty of food for thought for England as they watched this final unfold on day three.

David Warner and Usman Khawaja perished in similar fashion, slashing at wideish ones to the keeper. Neither has good Test records in this country. Khawaja averages 17.78, Warner 25.74.

A rare rush of blood to the head by Steve Smith, skying one off Ravi Jadeja, also gave England hope. He is human, after all.

And Travis Head's trial by bouncer also resumed. After making 163 in the first innings, his second innings 18 was a skittish affair. He took on the short-pitched bowling and never looked settled.

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