Aus vs Ind 2021: We didn’t hold on to our chances – Tim Paine

Australia’s captain Tim Paine was disappointed after his team couldn’t get over the line against India in the third Test match at the SCG on Monday.

The hosts required eight more wickets to win on the final day of the Test match but could only manage three scalps throughout the day.

Meanwhile, Tim Paine himself was not up to the mark behind the stumps on the final day. The Australian wicket-keeper gave two lives to Rishabh Pant when he was on three and 56, on the bowling of Nathan Lyon. The left-hander went on to punish the hosts as he scored a blistering knock of 97 runs from only 118 balls.

Paine was also involved in a cranky chatter with Ravichandran Ashwin and then soon bungled Hanuma Vihari’s catch when few overs were left in the day. Furthermore, Ashwin was also dropped by substitute fielder Sean Abbott as Australia couldn’t grab their chances.

In fact, Australia had put their noses in front after they had set a target of 407 for the Indian team. On the final day, Nathan Lyon gave a perfect start to his team with the early dismissal of Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane. However, Pant and Pujara added 148 runs for the fifth wicket to give a glimpse of hope to the visitors.

Australia made a good comeback after dismissing Pant and Pujara in quick time but Vihari and Ashwin showed all the resistance during their mammoth stand. Vihari faced 161 balls whereas Ashwin faced 128 balls to take India to a memorable draw. The visitors batted for 131 overs, which is the most they have played since 1980 in overseas conditions.

Paine believes his team failed to grab their chances and it cost them a lot in the end.

Tim Paine said in the post-match presentation, “I thought we created enough chances to win the game, this one’s a tough one to swallow. Our bowlers were superb, Lyon bowled well. Just that we (especially me) didn’t hold onto our catches. Looking forward to Brisbane. We didn’t play our best in the last two games, but we were somewhat good with the bat in this Test. There were a few positives for us, our bowlers created plenty of chances. Today was a whole-hearted effort from the boys, just that things didn’t go our way. I think having two young kids (Pucovski and Green) playing Test cricket, it’s a great thing as they were sensational. I thought Green was fantastic yesterday”.

The series is tied at 1-1 and the decider will be played at the Gabba, where Australia has an impeccable record. The final Test match will begin from January 15.