Indian middle-order batsman Hanuma Vihari is going through a rough patch in recent times. Things got worse for him in the third Test between Australia and India as he was run-out for just 4 runs. Josh Hazlewood’s sensational fielding effort sent back Vihari and pushed India on the back foot in the first innings on day three of the 3rd Test.
In the 68th over of India’s innings, Hanuma Vihari danced down the track to Nathan Lyon. He drove the ball to the right of the mid-off fielder and ran for a quick single. However, Josh Hazlewood, stationed at mid-off was very agile. He promptly moved to his right and dived to stop the ball and then threw it in one motion. And most importantly, his throw was dead accurate as it hit the stumps and Vihari was found short of the crease.
You can watch Hazlewood’s marvelous fielding effort here:
The sensational fielding effort from Hazlwood received plaudits from everyone.
Hanuma Vihari has come under the scanner as he has failed to make any significant score in this Test series. In 3 Tests so far, his scores read: 4, 21, 16, and 8. His last fifty-plus score came in the second Test against New Zealand in 2020. With the likes of M Agarwal warming the benches and KL Rahul having a dream-run in white-ball cricket, Vihari’s place in the Indian Test team is in danger.
Team India showed strong resistance against solid Australian bowling in the first session. India made 84 runs in the first session and lost only 2 wickets. However, the second new ball was too much to handle for Indian batsman. First, Rishabh Pant edged one to the first slip against J Hazlewood and in the next over Cheteshwar Pujara, who till then was batting well, was caught behind against Patt Cummins. After 90 overs, India are tottering at 202 for 6 wickets.