Chennai, Nov 24 (Reporter) Bold decisions in crunch situations will always pay rich dividends. And it was proved right by the Indian batters at Optus in Perth as India turned the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on its head after setting a daunting target of 534 runs for Australia, courtesy brilliant batting by openers Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli, who had emulated little master Sunil Gavaskar on highest centuries in Aussie soil. The third day ended on a high for Team India after taking three crucial wickets in a span of just 4.2 overs and the visitors are now on course of its drawing first blood in the five-match series to keep its hopes alive of making to the WTC final by winning four of the five tests in the series, that would help it to retain the Trophy for a third time. India have demonstrated grit and resilience after their 0-3 disastrous recent home series against New Zealand, taking the upper hand against Australia on Sunday. Despite being under some pressure, Gautam Gambhir has backed his players throughout in the buildup to the series. There were questions on Virat Kohli’s consistency with the bat and his run of form ahead of the series. However, Gambhir backed him tot the hilt and Kohli reposed the faith shown in him. He scored an impressive unbeaten century, the 30th Test century of his career, and helped India set a mammoth target for the Aussies to chase. India declared after Kohli completed his unbeaten ton in 143 deliveries, and he was seen hugging his head coach in the dressing room after the innings, in a video released by BCCI on its social media handles. Gambhir’s decision of changing the batting order and sending Rahul to open alongside Jaiswal also bore fruit. The duo amassed a partnership of 201 runs and set a record for the highest-ever opening partnership for India in Australia eclipsing 191 set by Gavaskar and Krish Srikkanth in early 1990s. Rahul played his part setting the tone perfectly from the start, while Jaiswal completed his century as well. Questions were also raised when Gambhir chose to back Harshit Rana and Nitish Reddy ahead of the series but those too, have been answered by their performances on the field. Harshit took a three-wicket haul in the first innings and has caught the eye on his debut. Nitish, on the other hand, held his ground with the bat in both the innings. His blistering knock of 38 runs in just 27 deliveries helped India to extend their lead over the 500-run mark. With two days left in the first Test, India are in the driver’s seat to take an early lead in the series. After being thrashed by New Zealand on home soil, Gambhir-led India has shown great strength and determination to change the narrative again and ensure it continues its authority in the Test format. But the team will face selection issues for the second test at Adelaide as skipper Rohit Sharma, who missed the opening encounter, joined the squad on Sunday evening and fellow opener Shubman Gill to expected to be fit after an injury...////...