Usman Khawaja struck Australia's first century of the series to edge India on a grinding first day on March 9 of the fourth test. Khawaja and Steve Smith led Australia through lunch at 75-2, in front of the countries' Prime Ministers — Narendra Modi and Anthony Albanese — and through tea at 149-2.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy endgame, the fourth India vs Australia Test match, from March 9 to 13, has become all about the pitch and the politics. Hopefully, cricket will take over once the first ball is bowled.
India now have 71.7 percentage points won and 430 points. Percentage points determine the final placings rather than total points won after a change to the points system owing to the Covid-19 disruption of the global cricket schedule.
Chasing 106 to complete a 2-1 series victory, India were 19 for no loss at stumps at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium which is hosting its first Test
The 22-year-old Kuldeep, who replaced injured skipper Viart Kohli, returned figures of four for 68 in 23 overs after Australia decided to bat and made a resounding start.
Australia were scoring rapidly and went to lunch at 131/1. But Yadav took four wickets to peg Australia back even as captain Steve Smith held fort with another century.