Australia vs India 2018/19, Third Test, Day 1: 5 Talking Points 

#4. Starc vs Kohli

Mitchell Starc

The only weakness in the Australian bowling lineup in the first two Tests was Mitchell Starc's form. He has struggled for rhythm in this series and the Indian batsmen have handled him easily this time compared to the 2014 tour of Australia.

On the other hand, Kohli had scored a sublime century in a difficult WACA pitch and was brimming with confidence. Starc’s spell with the new ball was flawless but the flat wicket made things easy for the Indian batsmen and he went wicketless.

After 80 overs, Virat Kohli and Pujara were looking solid and Paine gave the second new ball to Starc. What followed was a battle between the best batsman in the world and a ruthless pacer who tried everything at his disposal to dismiss Kolhi.

Kohli was wary of the ball swinging into him and hence was forced into playing deliveries outside the off stump. Starc nearly dismissed him twice as once Kohli got lucky with an inside edge that missed the stumps by inches and then the right-hander was dropped by Tim Paine after getting a faint edge.