Head rues missing chance to dismiss Kohli

Melbourne, Dec 26 - Australia batsman Travis Head rued their failure to dismiss Indian captain Virat Kohli on the opening day of the third Test here on Wednesday.

Kohli, batting on 47, was dropped on the same score by skipper Time Paine behind the stumps off Mitchell Starc's bowling.

"The best over today was from Starc. Beating Kohli inside and outside, that new ball hopefully can come out and do that tomorrow again. It was disappointing to leave that chance but it happens," Head said after the day's play at the press conference.

Along with Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara (68 batting) was also in the middle at the close of play, with the visitors well placed at 215/2.

Head said that the hosts would have preferred to take four or five more wickets. 

"We would have liked to have 4-5 wickets tonight, but it is a massive morning and if we can still get them down two wickets in the morning, it will be good while the ball is still reasonably hard and a couple left handers coming later on," he said.

Head further said that the home side can change the momentum going into the second day with the pitch getting more spin. 

"Yeah it was a tough day. A grinding day of Test cricket and they batted well. We created pressure and we have seen for the whole series there hasn't been high run rate for the day," Head said.

Head lavished praise on pacer Pat Cummins (2/40) for getting both the wickets in the day. 

"Cummins led from the front and got two wickets for us. He bowled hard and aggressive, used his bouncer well, and extracted something from the wicket. And he put pressure on Indian batsmen all day," he said.

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IANS