THE OVAL: At the end of the third day of play in the World Test Championship final versus Australia, India all-rounder Shardul Thakur told the media that India can chase 450 or more in the fourth innings of the contest.

India all-rounder Shardul Thakur told the reporters at the conclusion of the third day of the World Test Championship final match against Australia that his country can attempt to chase 450 or more in the fourth innings.

Australia was 123/4 at draw of stumps on Day 3 and had a lead of 296 runs thanks to Marnus Labuschagne's (41*) and Cameron Green's (7*) fortification.

In response to a query, Thakur stated: "Cricket is a humorous game. You never know just how far we can run. However, Thakur referred to the wicket as being "under prepared".

"The ball is rising from a particular area (at the Vauxhall End side of the field). Some balls today also kept quiet," he remarked.

Thakur revealed he got hit on a finger while batting but insisted that "it doesn't look too bad" in response to Ajinkya Rahane not fielding after leading the team in scoring with 89.

Mitchell Starc, an Australian bowler, lauded Rahane's innings in a statement to the media, stating, "Jinx (Rahane's nickname) performed really well. He was out thanks to a unique catch (by Cameron Green). We are aware of his talent as a player. When asked about hitting a bouncer that Virat Kohli snatched on Day 2, he said, "I got lucky. It came out good. I simply dashed in and struck the wicket. On the third day, Starc thought the pitch started to "play tricks". He added, "The wicket might play more tricks tomorrow with sunshine predicted.

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