Matthew Wade’s poor dismissal cost Australia its ascendancy over India in third Test

Test cricket being a game that places a premium on players who swing the momentum of the contest, one who can take three quick wickets is a precious asset.

India’s fortune on the second day of the Sydney Test was that it found a new one. Australia’s downfall was that his name was Matthew Wade.

How to summarise the carnage wrought by Wade’s intemperance in the half-hour before lunch?

Australia’s number five had moved comfortably to 13 and Australia 3-232 on a wicket favouring the batsmen. At the other end, Steve Smith had reached 60, gradually rediscovering his jerky, hyperactive mojo.

Runs were coming at four an over and Australia’s first day of batting dominance for the summer loomed.

Then Wade began his ragged, premeditated foray down…