Australia Vs India – The Pink Test, Day 2

Steve Smith celebrating his Century

India bounce back after Smith’s Century with a flurry of wickets and then Indian openers gives them a steady start to end day 2 on an even ground for both teams.

Stumps, Day 2

Australia 1^st Innings: 338 (105.4)

India, 1^st Innings: 96/2 (45)

 

The Australian’s started with an overnight score of 166/2 with Smith and Marnus went on to score big. While Marnus nicked one to the slips from Jadeja after scoring a fine 91 of 196 balls, Smith went on to complete his 8^th Century against India and eventually got out at his personal score of 131 (226). It took an outstanding fielding effort from Jadeja with a direct hit from the square leg boundary to dismiss the gritty Smith. The vulnerable lower middle order and the tail could not make a mark getting out cheaply to a fine Indian bowling unit. Jadeja ended with figures of 4/62 in 18 overs while the debutant, Saini and Bumrah picking 2 wickets each. The Aussies were eventually bundled out for 338/10 in the 106^th over of the innings.

Batting second, India started cautiously as their openers, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill gave them a steady start. While we saw Rohit in a much defensive mode but Gill entertained with some classy shots in between. Rohit was out caught of Hazelwood on 26 of 77 balls but more importantly, he and Gill gave them a 70 run opening stand which was definitely missing in the first two tests. Gill went on to pick up his maiden Test Half Century and finally was picked up by Pat Cummins, caught at gully. Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane saw the day through with India at 96/2. They are currently trailing by 242 runs. India will be hoping to knock off the deficit and try and get at least a 70-100 run lead.

Shubman Gill completes his maiden Test Half Century

Highlights for the day were definitely Smith’s unorthodox innings, Gill’s smooth fifty as well as Jadeja’s 4 wicket haul and the direct hit to dismiss Smith. Looking at the 3 innings played by Gill till now, India can think of finally solving the openers problem if he continues playing with such grace and control. Day 3 will be power packed as the Aussie bowlers will come out hard but the only thing that plays in India’s favor is that the ball is already 45 overs old and by the time they get through to the second new ball, India will be hoping to have two set batsmen in the crease to counter that.  

By Sayandeep Dutta

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