| 0.0 : Good morning! Good afternoon! Good evening! Which part of the world are you in? Does not matter. The first international day of cricket in 2019 is upon us. And it is so hectic that unless you sleep for more than 20 hours, you are going to catch at least some match at some point of time! Australia-India. New Zealand-Sri Lanka. South Africa-Pakistan! Wishing you all, a very happy and prosperous 2019!!! |
| Okay. Time to get down to business. The SCG Test. The one where Steve Waugh played his final game. The one which will not be remembered by many cricket fans due to the 'MonkeyGate' issue. The one which could be remembered by many Indian fans in the near future should they win or draw - A Test series win Down Under. |
| With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in the bag, India will not be too much under pressure but their main aim would be to win the series. Plenty of off-field talks. No Ishant. No Rohit. Will Ashwin play? Will Kuldeep feature? |
| Wait... wait... wait...Australia are also playing this Test. Why haven't they been mentioned so far in this opening text? Because they have not done much things worth remembering in the whole of 2018, let alone this series! Their fast bowlers have been good as per the stats - but if you look deeply, barring Pat Cummins, both Starc and Hazlewood have been average, neither generating enough reverse swing. Nathan Lyon has been a bit under-par as well. |
| Australia's batting. Does he have a good strike-rate? Is he flamboyant? Does he rotate the strike? He has done so well in the BBL. Let us get him into the Test side! These are the talks going around the town. Sadly, no one is talking much about the technique. The hosts have decided to drop Aaron Finch and Mitchell Marsh even before the toss. Let's see what the Indians have thought about... |
| WEATHER REPORT - It is a bit overcast to start off right now, but the forecast is not worrying, at least for today and tomorrow. However, thunderstorms are predicted for Saturday and some showers for Days 4 and 5. |
| PITCH REPORT- Brendon Julian doing the pitch report observes that it looks very patchy with plenty of moisture. Predicts that it will start turning from Day 3. However, also forecasts some help for the seamers in the first two sessions today. |
| TOSS - Time then for the first international toss of 2019! Tim Paine flips the coin, Virat Kohli calls Heads and it is a Head. INDIA ELECT TO BAT FIRST. |
| Indian skipper, Virat Kohli, says that it looks like a pretty good wicket with grass coverage. Adds that it is going to get tougher and tougher as the days go by, hence the decision. Is not too bothered abut the series win and is looking no further than winning this Test, maintaining the level of intensity that they have shown so far. On the team changes, Kohli says that they have got forced ones. Newly become father Rohit Sharma is back in India and is replaced by KL Rahul which also means that |
| Australian captain, Tim Paine, says that he too would have batted first. Hopes that his bowlers can bowl in the right areas and get good bounce from this track. On Australia's scenario, he says that the team needs to forget what has happened in the past and focus on playing good cricket. Informs that Australia have left out Aaron Finch and Mitchell Marsh and got in Marnus Labuschagne and Peter Handscomb. On being asked about the batting order, Tim stresses that Khawaja will open, Labuschagne wil |
| The players spread themselves out in the middle. Mitchell Starc has the brand new cherry in his hand. Lokesh Rahul and Mayank Agarwal are the openers. The latter to face Starc. Here we go... |
| 0.1 : Starc to Agarwal, LBW appeal first up. But nothing much to look into it. Full and down the leg side, Agarwal misses his flick and is hit on the pads. Starc appeals but it was comfortably going down leg. A leg bye taken. |
| 0.2 : M Starc to Rahul, EDGED, FOUR! A bit streaky to start from Rahul. Some swing on offer here for the left-arm speedster. Full and outside off, the opener plays a loose shot, away from his body, trying to guide it through third man but gets a thick inside edge instead, wide of a diving Usman Khawaja at gully to the third man fence! |
| 0.3 : M Starc to Rahul, Hmmm.... more swing. This one comes in, Rahul looks to flick but is defeated by the late swing. Gets a leading edge which does not carry to point. |
| 0.4 : M Starc to Rahul, Now an inside edge. This is the Starc which Australia want to see. But for more periods of time. Full and around off, swinging in a mile, the Karnataka-based lad looks to flick but is late. The ball goes off the inside edge towards fine leg and a single is taken. |
| 0.5 : M Starc to Agarwal, BEATEN! Starc is smiling. No, he is not sledging. But just enjoying his cricket. That is good to see. On a length outside off, Mayank looks to defend but is a bit tentative. The ball goes away off the seam and beats the outside edge. |
| 0.6 : M Starc to Agarwal, Another play and a miss! Oh boy, Starc is reminding us of the Starc of 2015, 2016 and 2017. He swings it in, then swings it away, which way do I play? After beating Agarwal on the outside on the previous ball, Starc now beats him on the inside. On a length outside off, MA looks to feel for this one but the ball moves back in to beat the inside edge. Superb opening over from Mitchell Starc. |
| Josh Hazlewood to share the new ball with Starc. |
| 1.1 : J Hazlewood to Rahul, FOUR! Well controlled. Full and outside off, Rahul looks to defend but gets an outside edge due to the away movement. However, he plays it with soft hands, hence the edge does not carry. Goes onto the ground and then eludes a diving second slip to the third man fence. |
| 1.2 : J Hazlewood to Rahul, Around off, confidently defended from the crease. |
| 1.3 : J Hazlewood to L Rahul, OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Ball number 9. Wicket number 1. Australia have struck early. Once again, an Indian opening stand has been dislodged cheaply. Rahul's tentativeness outside the off stump continues. He is not sure which balls to play and which ones to leave. His two boundaries came off edges and this one again, he is unsure. The ball lands on a good length outside off and then moves away slightly. Takes the outside edge and is stored into the bucket-like hands of |
| Cheteshwar Pujara walks in at number 3, replacing Rahul. |
| 1.4 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, A short ball to welcome Pujara, he is a bit surprised but manages to defend it in front of short leg. |
| 1.5 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Outside off, left alone. |
| 1.6 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 2.1 : M Starc to Agarwal, Around off, watchfully defended. |
| 2.2 : M Starc to Agarwal, Outside off, left alone. |
| 2.3 : M Starc to Agarwal, Full and around off, driven straight back down the ground. Good timing. Two runs taken. |
| 2.4 : M Starc to Agarwal, Yorker outside off, well dug out. |
| 2.5 : M Starc to Agarwal, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 2.6 : M Starc to Agarwal, One more leave outside off. |
| 3.1 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, On a good length outside off, left alone. |
| 3.2 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 3.3 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Around off, on a length, watchfully pushed towards point. |
| 3.4 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Full on middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 3.5 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 3.6 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, On middle and leg, flicked through mid-wicket for a couple now. |
| 4.1 : M Starc to Agarwal, Full and around off, swinging in, Agarwal leans and drives it past wide mid off. Three runs taken. |
| 4.2 : M Starc to Pujara, On middle and leg, helped past short leg for a couple. |
| 4.3 : M Starc to C Pujara, Full and around off, pushed towards mid on. |
| 4.4 : M Starc to Pujara, Outside off, half volley, driven through the covers for a single. |
| 4.5 : M Starc to Agarwal, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 4.6 : M Starc to Agarwal, Down the leg side, Mayank misses his flick. |
| 5.1 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 5.2 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, This is on a length around off, defended from the crease. |
| 5.3 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Landed outside off, left alone. |
| 5.4 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, On a length outside off, coming in, Pujara, unlike Rahul, is unfazed. Knows where his off stump is and lets it go. |
| 5.5 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, A bouncer, around middle, Cheteshwar ducks. |
| 5.6 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Back of a length outside off, pushed towards backward point. |
| First change in the bowling. Australia's shining star in a dark 2018 is here. Patrick Cummins to bowl his first ball of 2019. |
| 6.1 : Pat Cummins to Agarwal, Loose. Too loose a shot after having shown so much of patience. A gentle loosener from Cummins, full and wide outside off, Agarwal reaches out to drive but misses. No feet movement. |
| 6.2 : Pat Cummins to Agarwal, Much better shot. One can see the result when the foot meets the pitch of the ball. Full and outside off, not as wide as the previous one, but not entirely dissimilar either. However, this time, Agarwal gets a good stride out, reaches the pitch of the ball and drives it through the covers. Two runs taken. |
| 6.3 : Pat Cummins to Agarwal, Full and just outside off, coming in, watchfully defended towards cover. |
| 6.4 : Pat Cummins to Agarwal, Similar ball, similar shot, same result. |
| 6.5 : Pat Cummins to Agarwal, Good timing again. Half volley around middle and leg, Mayank gets forward and drives it past mid on. Mitchell Starc gives it a good chase and keeps the batsmen to two. |
| 6.6 : Pat Cummins to Agarwal, FOUR! CRISP! No stopping this one! Half volley outside off, Agarwal reaches out, gets to the pitch of the ball and drives it through the covers. |
| Some distraction for Pujara. It is near the sight screen. Umpire Ian Gould is sorting it out. |
| 7.1 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, On a good length outside off, left alone. |
| 7.2 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, This particular shot describes Pujara's mental state. Head totally still. Mind not fluxed. No confusion. Knows where his off stump is. Knows which balls to play and which not to. On a good length outside off, coming in, Cheteshwar defends it watchfully. |
| 7.3 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Full and around off, CP drives it straight down the ground. Hazlewood gets down and manages to take some sting off it with his right hand. Mitchell Starc gets across from mid on but cannot prevent the single. There seemed to be a run out chance as Pujara had to run around the bowler but in the competition of who was slower - Pujara or Starc - the latter won the race. |
| 7.4 : J Hazlewood to Agarwal, Around off, watchfully blocked out. |
| 7.5 : J Hazlewood to Agarwal, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 7.6 : J Hazlewood to Agarwal, Landed outside off, coming in, left alone. |
| 8.1 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, On a good length outside off, left alone. |
| 0.0 : Oh dear... problems again for Pujara. Cummins is halfway through his runup but is interrupted. Sight screen issues. |
| 8.2 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Around off, on a good length, Cheteshwar looks to defend but the ball scoots off the inner half of the bat towards short mid-wicket. |
| 8.3 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Similar ball, but this is a touch wider outside off. Shouldered arms to. |
| 8.4 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Around a good length outside off, defended towards the leg side. |
| 8.5 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 8.6 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, FOUR! Lovely shot. Full and wide outside off, Pujara leans and drives it behind point. Quick outfield. Pujara moves to 12. His first boundary. |
| Mitchell Starc is back on. 3-0-13-0 so far. |
| 9.1 : M Starc to Agarwal, Landed outside off, left alone. |
| 9.2 : M Starc to Agarwal, Back of a length this time, watchfully let through. |
| 9.3 : M Starc to Agarwal, On a good length around middle, angling away, defended towards cover. |
| 9.4 : M Starc to Agarwal, Fuller in length outside off, pushed towards cover. |
| 9.5 : M Starc to Agarwal, Yorker length outside off, dug out towards point. |
| 9.6 : M Starc to Agarwal, On the shorter side, around leg stump, Agarwal plays that nicely, riding the bounce and tucking it towards long leg for a run. |
| 10.1 : Pat Cummins to Agarwal, On a good length around off, solidly defended. |
| 10.2 : Pat Cummins to Agarwal, FOUR! Jeez, that is just a push! This guy is hungry. And confident. And hence, shots like these are being played. Not a bad ball at all. But this is what quality batting can do. Score off non-bad deliveries. Full and outside off, coming in slightly, Agarwal gets a good stride forward and defends. Yes, just defends. But so sweet is his defense that the moment the ball meets the bat, it goes past mid off. Then it continues to go and tease the fielder. He tries his bes |
| 10.3 : Pat Cummins to Agarwal, A rib-tickler, down the leg side, Mayank looks to tuck but misses. The ball goes off his ribs past short leg and a single is taken. Leg bye signalled. |
| 10.4 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Full and outside off, solidly defended. |
| 10.5 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 10.6 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, A wild bouncer outside off, Pujara ducks. Paine has to leap to collect. |
| 11.1 : M Starc to Agarwal, On a good length around off, solidly defended with a hop to the off side. |
| 11.2 : M Starc to Agarwal, FOUR! There is that push-drive again! Mayank Agarwal is not a tall guy but his strides are really big. On a good length outside off, Agarwal leans and just pushes it. Away she goes to the cover fence. |
| 11.3 : M Starc to Agarwal, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 11.4 : M Starc to Agarwal, A short ball, down the leg side, Mayank lets it go. |
| 11.5 : M Starc to Agarwal, On a good length outside off, left alone. |
| 11.6 : M Starc to Agarwal, IN THE AIR... SAFE! A rare nervy moment for the youngster. A short ball, around leg and middle, Agarwal is caught by surprise and looks to fend. He has no idea where the ball is and it flies off the handle. Luckily for him, there is no leg gully. A single taken. |
| 12.1 : Pat Cummins to Agarwal, On a length around off, cutting back in off the seam, watchfully defended. |
| 12.2 : Pat Cummins to Agarwal, A bouncer, around middle, Agarwal ducks. |
| 12.3 : Pat Cummins to Agarwal, Gets squared up. Not many balls have beaten Mayank today. This one did. On a fuller length around middle, MA looks to flick but the ball swings away late and induces a leading edge. Goes past Usman Khawaja at second slip and for some reason, they do not run. There was a single on offer. |
| 12.4 : Pat Cummins to Agarwal, Around off, Agarwal comes forward and pushes it towards cover. Nathan Lyon runs to his right from point and dives spectacularly. Keeps the batsmen to a single. |
| 12.5 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, A short ball, around middle, helped straight to leg gully. Both he and Kohli were out playing that shot in the second innings of the third Test. |
| 12.6 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Action replay of the previous delivery. |
| 13.1 : M Starc to Agarwal, On a good length outside off, defended towards cover. |
| 13.2 : M Starc to Agarwal, Around off, blocked from the crease again. |
| 13.3 : M Starc to Agarwal, That is a good short ball and is equally well played. Around middle, Agarwal rises with the bounce and fends it down in front of short leg. |
| 13.4 : M Starc to Agarwal, Around off, jumping with the bounce, fended to the off side. |
| 13.5 : M Starc to Agarwal, A short ball again, down the leg side, Mayank misses his tuck. |
| 13.6 : M Starc to Agarwal, EDGED, FOUR! That is a good quality short ball from Starc to end the over. It is around middle and Agarwal cannot help but play at it. He rises, with both his feet in the air and so does the ball. Now, in that pose, you have no control on the shot. Neither does Mayank. Goes through with his attempted defense and the ball bounces high, takes the glove, hits the helmet and rockets over the slip cordon to the third man fence. 50 UP FOR INDIA. The stand is worth 41. |
| A bit of a break in play as Agarwal gets his helmet and head checked. Mitchell Starc has a kind word with Agarwal, asking his well-being. Mayank looks okay but because of the norm of checking for concussion these days, the delay is a lengthy one. |
| 14.1 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, On a fuller length outside off, watchfully defended. |
| 0.0 : Is that caught behind? Tim Paine seems the most confident and the only confident person as he appealed for a caught behind. This review against Pujara is solely his call. No one else is even remotely sure. |
| 14.2 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, NOT OUT! Waste of a review from Paine and Paine alone. Decent delivery from Cummins, landing on a length outside off and cutting back in off the seam. Pujara looked to play at it but was beaten. Tim Paine dived to his left to collect and then appealed as an afterthought. Everyone else from the slips joined him as good students supporting their class monitor. Paine was very serious though. Walked to his bowler and asked. 'There was some noise,' replied Cummins. That w |
| 14.3 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, THIS NEARLY CUTS HIM INTO HALF! Sensational bowling from Hazlewood. On a good length outside off, Pujara looks to play at this one again but while the previous one came in, this one moved away. Beat the outside edge. |
| 14.4 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 14.5 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Good length delivery around middle, watchfully pushed back. |
| 14.6 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Outside off, left alone. |
| 15.1 : M Starc to Agarwal, A good short ball, around off, Agarwal rises with the bounce and plays it in front of short leg. |
| 15.2 : M Starc to Agarwal, Another short ball, Mayank looks to tuck it fine but the ball goes wide of leg gully towards fine leg. A single taken. |
| 15.3 : M Starc to Pujara, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 15.4 : M Starc to Pujara, On middle and leg, helped past short leg for a run towards mid-wicket. |
| 15.5 : M Starc to Agarwal, Another short ball, exploiting his back foot technique, this time MA rides the bounce well. |
| 15.6 : M Starc to Agarwal, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| Josh Hazlewood returns. 4-1-9-1 so far. |
| 16.1 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Full and outside off, watchfully defended. |
| 16.2 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Outside off, in the corridor of Hazlewood, Pujara understands that he is not welcome there and lets it go. |
| 16.3 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Similar ball, but this one comes in nicely, played towards short leg. |
| 16.4 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, A bouncer on middle, Cheteshwar ducks. |
| 16.5 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, In the air... but safe in the end. Full and wide outside off, CP looks to drive but cannot quite control it. Almost gives a catch to Usman Khawaja at point. Lands just short. |
| 16.6 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, On a good length around middle, helped towards leg gully. |
| 17.1 : M Starc to Agarwal, A short ball, around middle, Agarwal plays that reasonably well, rising with the bounce and then fending it down. |
| 17.2 : M Starc to Agarwal, A nice bouncer and this time Mayank sways away. |
| 17.3 : M Starc to Agarwal, Outside off, pushed towards cover. |
| 17.4 : M Starc to Agarwal, A length ball now, watchfully played out. |
| 17.5 : M Starc to Agarwal, A short ball down the leg side, MA nearly tucks it to the keeper. |
| 17.6 : M Starc to Agarwal, A short ball again, Agarwal plays it nicely too, tucking it wide of Nathan Lyon at leg gully for a single. Moves to 30. |
| 18.1 : J Hazlewood to Agarwal, A bouncer on middle, harmless and ducked under. |
| 18.2 : J Hazlewood to Agarwal, EDGED, FOUR! On a length outside off, Agarwal pushes at it and gets a healthy outside edge. Luckily for him, it flies between second slip and gully to the third man fence. |
| 18.3 : J Hazlewood to Agarwal, A terrific short ball around off, Mayank looks to fend it away but the ball goes off something to the keeper. Shoulder. |
| 18.4 : J Hazlewood to Agarwal, Another bouncer, ducked under. |
| 18.5 : J Hazlewood to Agarwal, 50-RUN STAND! You might look at the run rate and say well, easy going. It has not exactly been that way to be honest. On a good length outside off, MA leans and pushes it through the covers. Nathan Lyon gets to the ball from cover, dives and pulls it back, throwing it to Travis Head running with him from cover. Three runs taken. |
| 18.6 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Outside off, left alone. |
| 19.1 : M Starc to Agarwal, Interesting. Australia now have a short leg and a silly point for Agarwal. The length is short as expected and Mayank goes deep in his crease to fend it away. Was not a million miles away from silly point. |
| 19.2 : M Starc to Agarwal, A wild bouncer, way too high, MA ducks while Paine leaps. The batsman immediately looks at the square leg umpire for the wide call but only one bouncer for the over is signalled. |
| 19.3 : M Starc to Agarwal, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 19.4 : M Starc to Agarwal, Outside off, pushed wide of cover for a single. |
| 19.5 : M Starc to Pujara, Back of a length outside off, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 19.6 : M Starc to Pujara, A bouncer again, once more Paine has to leap to collect. Pujara does not even bother to duck. |
| 20.1 : J Hazlewood to Agarwal, On a good length outside off, watchfully defended towards cover. |
| 20.2 : J Hazlewood to Agarwal, Back of a length around off, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 20.3 : J Hazlewood to Agarwal, A bouncer now, Agarwal sways away. |
| 20.4 : J Hazlewood to Agarwal, Fuller in length, pushed towards the off side. |
| 20.5 : J Hazlewood to Agarwal, Landed outside off, allowed to go through. |
| 20.6 : J Hazlewood to Agarwal, Back of a length outside off, pushed towards cover. |
| Time for spin. Nathan Lyon has been brought on with around 10 minutes to go for Lunch. |
| 21.1 : N Lyon to Pujara, Full and outside off, Pujara is straightaway down the track, whipping the ball towards mid on. |
| 21.2 : N Lyon to Pujara, Comes down the track again, thrusts his pad forward and manages to push it wide of silly point. |
| 21.3 : N Lyon to Pujara, Goes back this time and works it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 21.4 : N Lyon to Agarwal, Full and around middle, worked wide of mid on for a run. |
| 21.5 : N Lyon to Pujara, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 21.6 : N Lyon to Pujara, Around off, well blocked out. |
| 22.1 : J Hazlewood to Agarwal, On a good length outside off, coming in, left alone. |
| 22.2 : J Hazlewood to Agarwal, Tight lines, around off, watchfully defended. |
| 22.3 : J Hazlewood to Agarwal, A short ball, down the leg side, helped past leg gully towards long leg for a single. Agarwal moves to 40 now. |
| 22.4 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Full and just outside off, coming in, watchfully defended. |
| 22.5 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, OUCH! On the helmet! Second one of the morning. Not surprising with this barricade of short stuff from Australia. It is on a short length outside off and Pujara ducks, but surprisingly, taking his eyes off the ball. Gets hit on the vizor. He immediately signals towards the dressing room with a thumbs up that he is fine. |
| Well, Pujara signalled towards the dressing room that he was fine but it is a norm these days. The physio runs out, asks you dozens of questions, makes absolutely sure that you are not concussed and then takes the next call. |
| 22.6 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, A bouncer to end the over, Cheteshwar ducks. |
| 23.1 : N Lyon to Agarwal, Full and outside off, Agarwal comes down the track and drives it straight back to Lyon who slips while trying to field and concedes a single down the ground. |
| 23.2 : N Lyon to Pujara, The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket. They pick up a single. |
| 23.3 : N Lyon to Agarwal, Outside off, turning in, pushed through the covers for a run. |
| 23.4 : N Lyon to Pujara, Action replay of the previous delivery. |
| An appeal. For what is it? Stumped. Looks safe. |
| 23.5 : N Lyon to Agarwal, LOOKS SAFE. IS SAFE. SAFE AS A HOUSE, IN FACT. Outside off, Agarwal stayed back to defend but the ball took the bottom edge and went back. Tim Paine gathered it on the bounce and then whipped the bails off. Appealed in excitement as he saw Agarwal losing his balance a touch. It was referred upstairs but one replay was good enough to suggest that Agarwal never left his crease. |
| 23.6 : N Lyon to Agarwal, Full and around off, watchfully pushed back to the bowler. LUNCH ON DAY 1! |
| As has always been throughout this series, the first session of a match has been competitive again. Australia started with a bang, India then eased their way out of trouble before the hosts found some method of quietening them down. However, despite a good second hour, the wickets column still reads 0 in that passage. |
| Clearly a bat-first pitch. Survive the first 2 hours and the next 2 days are yours. Mayank Agarwal is demonstrating the ideal way to see off the new ball while Pujara is showing how comfortable he is getting by bedding in almost every second pitch that he gets. It would have been a terrific session for India had they not lost Rahul but they will take this score for now. |
| To be fair, Australia have not bowled badly. But this is the difference between the two sides. When there is help from the pitch and weather, both have excelled. When there is none, the Kangaroos have struggled to pick up wickets and today was no different. After swinging the ball prodigiously for the first 30 minutes, the hosts simply could not get any of it for the rest of the session. After conceding a few runs, they resorted to their back-up plan - bowl short and restrict the run-scoring. Th |
| The first session goes to India then. Can Australia find out ways to break through this batting line-up? Or will run-scoring get easier after Lunch? Join us for the second session at 1.10 pm (0210 GMT). |
| ... DAY 1, SESSION 2 ... |
| Welcome back. A longgggggggggggg day awaits us. 66 overs left in the day. With the way the Aussies are bowling, reckon that those might not get bowled even with an extended 30 minutes of play at the close. Out come the players. Will Australia continue the short-ball barrage? Pat Cummins to start the session to Cheteshwar Pujara... |
| 24.1 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, On a good length outside off, punched towards point. |
| 24.2 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Around middle, helped wide of leg gully towards fine leg for a single. The stand moves to 60. |
| 24.3 : Pat Cummins to Agarwal, Back of a length outside off, Agarwal plays that really well, getting right behind the line to defend. |
| 24.4 : Pat Cummins to Agarwal, A length ball again, helped towards leg gully. |
| 24.5 : Pat Cummins to Agarwal, IN THE AIR... JUST WIDE! Almost into the trap. A short ball, at the body, Agarwal gets across and looks to fend but is not on control. The ball flies but finer than leg gully, towards fine leg. A run taken. |
| 24.6 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Full and around off, well blocked out. |
| Mitchell Starc it will be from the other end. 9-0-27-0 so far. |
| 25.1 : M Starc to Agarwal, Outside off, punched towards cover. |
| 25.2 : M Starc to Agarwal, Pushes this straight to point. |
| 25.3 : M Starc to Agarwal, Stays back in his crease and blocks it. |
| 25.4 : M Starc to Agarwal, A short ball, around off, Agarwal gets on top of the bounce and punches it wide of cover for a single. |
| 25.5 : M Starc to Pujara, Lovely shot. Fractionally short of a length outside off, punched behind point. Three runs taken as the ball stops near the ropes. Pujara moves to 20. |
| 25.6 : M Starc to Agarwal, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 26.1 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, A rare full ball in the last hour or so. But Pujara is not surprised. He is ready for it. Leans and flicks it through mid-wicket. Gets three runs. |
| 26.2 : Pat Cummins to Agarwal, Back to a bouncer length, outside off, Agarwal hops and defends. |
| 26.3 : Pat Cummins to Agarwal, FIVE WIDES! This is really short, right in the middle of the pitch, Mayank does not even bother ducking. No way Tim Paine could have got to that even with his highest leap. That just took off. |
| Pat Cummins to Agarwal, Around off, on a length, watchfully blocked out. |
| 26.4 : Pat Cummins to Agarwal, Fuller than the previous one, Mayank is brilliant in his defense. |
| 26.5 : Pat Cummins to Agarwal, A wild bouncer down the leg side, Agarwal ducks. |
| 26.6 : Pat Cummins to Agarwal, Another bouncer down the leg side, barely any reaction from Agarwal. |
| 27.1 : M Starc to Pujara, Around off, defended from his crease. |
| 27.2 : M Starc to Pujara, Full and tempting, outside off, inviting the drive, Pujara resists. |
| 27.3 : M Starc to Pujara, Outside off, pushed towards cover. |
| 27.4 : M Starc to C Pujara, Looking for that back of a length, is Starc, Cheteshwar looks to punch but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads. |
| 27.5 : M Starc to Pujara, On middle and leg, tucked off his hips through square leg. Two runs taken. |
| 27.6 : M Starc to Pujara, A good bouncer, right at the body, CP ducks and wears it on the arm. |
| 28.1 : Pat Cummins to Agarwal, Sweet timing again. Full and outside off, Agarwal leans and drives it through the covers. Gets a couple. |
| 28.2 : Pat Cummins to M Agarwal, A short ball, around middle, Mayank swivels and pulls it through long leg. The ball races to the fence but Mitchell Starc hares to his right and slides to stop the ball. Just a single. |
| 28.3 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Around off, pushed to the off side. |
| 28.4 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. |
| 28.5 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Around off, pushed towards mid on. |
| 28.6 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Around off, coming in, pushed towards mid-wicket. |
| 29.1 : M Starc to Agarwal, A bouncer around middle, ducked under. |
| 29.2 : M Starc to Agarwal, FOUR! ELEGANT! SECOND TEST FIFTY FOR MAYANK AGARWAL! Full and outside off, Agarwal leans and drives it through the covers. Substitute Peter Siddle races after it, slides and then returns the ball. But replays show that while trying to push the ball back, his foot touches the ropes. Well played, young Mayank. Looking confident and hungry. |
| 29.3 : M Starc to Agarwal, Gets a bit straighter and MA promptly pushes it through the vacant mid on region. By the time mid off can get across, two runs are taken. |
| 29.4 : M Starc to Agarwal, Outside off, punched off the back foot. |
| 29.5 : M Starc to Agarwal, The batsman does well to stand tall and play that short delivery. |
| 29.6 : M Starc to Agarwal, Peter Siddle in action again. Outside off, short in length, Agarwal gets on top of the bounce and punches it through the covers. Substitute Siddle gets to the ball and manages to stop it before crossing the ropes. Or does he? The umpire wants to check it upstairs and replays show that it is touch and go. From one angle, it seems like when Peter has tried to stop the ball, his left foot has touched the rope. But another angle seems to indicate that when the foot has touc |
| 30.1 : Pat Cummins to Agarwal, FOUR! That is a terrific shot! 100 UP FOR INDIA! A short ball, around off, Agarwal swivels and pulls. The good thing about that shot is that he keeps it all along the ground. Long leg has no chance as the ball races through square leg. |
| 30.2 : Pat Cummins to Agarwal, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 30.3 : Pat Cummins to Agarwal, Full and around off, Mayank drives this through mid on and gets a couple. |
| 30.4 : Pat Cummins to Agarwal, A bouncer now, MA ducks. |
| 30.5 : Pat Cummins to Agarwal, The batsman does well to stand tall and play that short delivery. |
| 30.6 : Pat Cummins to Agarwal, Another short ball, this is pulled beautifully all along the ground through square leg for a single. |
| Nathan Lyon is back on. 2-0-6-0 so far. |
| 31.1 : N Lyon to Agarwal, SIX! Attacking the spinner! Flighted outside off, Agarwal is straightaway off the blocks. Gets to the pitch of the ball and sends it sailing over long on. There is Mitchell Starc stationed over there and he tries taking a one-handed leap to his left but cannot even touch the ball. |
| 31.2 : N Lyon to Agarwal, ALMOST A RETURN CATCH! Lucky escape for Agarwal. Around off, Mayank punches this back to the bowler and it is nearly a caught-and-bowled chance. However, luckily for the batsman, Lyon is moving to his right and the ball is to his left. Cannot react in time and it slips through. A single to long off. |
| 31.3 : N Lyon to Pujara, Full and outside off, Pujara comes down the track and eases it through the covers for a couple. 100-RUN STAND IS UP! |
| 31.4 : N Lyon to Pujara, Comes down the track again and thrusts his pad forward, pushing the ball towards cover. |
| 31.5 : N Lyon to Pujara, Plenty of TURN on that, the ball spinning in, Cheteshwar stays back and defends. |
| 31.6 : N Lyon to Pujara, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| Josh Hazlewood returns. 8-3-17-1 so far. |
| 32.1 : J Hazlewood to Agarwal, Full on middle, pushed through mid on for a single. |
| 32.2 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 32.3 : J Hazlewood to C Pujara, FOUR! Cracking shot! Short and wide outside off, Pujara rocks back and lashes a cut behind gully! |
| 32.4 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Around off, pushed back towards the bowler. |
| 32.5 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Landed outside off, let through. |
| 32.6 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Dabs this behind gully for a run. |
| 33.1 : N Lyon to Pujara, Landed outside off, worked with the turn towards mid on. |
| 33.2 : N Lyon to Pujara, Huge, massive, roaring appeal for LBW. Not out. Full and outside off, Pujara comes down the track and looks to defend, with his bat behind the pad. Is hit on the pads and technically, he is not offering the shot and impact does not matter. However, it might not have done enough to hit the stumps. |
| 33.3 : N Lyon to Pujara, On middle and leg, flicked through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 33.4 : N Lyon to Agarwal, SIX! Top quality shot. Flighted outside off, Agarwal jumps down the track and looks to go over mid off. Does so and clears the ropes with ease as well. |
| 33.5 : N Lyon to Agarwal, Full and outside off, pushed straight to cover. |
| 33.6 : N Lyon to Agarwal, OUT! Caught! Greediness... gets the better of Agarwal. This is what confidence can do sometimes. Nathan Lyon has the last laugh. Or shall we say - the GOAT has the last bleat? Having been hit for two sixes in 2 overs so far, Lyon invites Agarwal for another challenge. 'Hit me if you can, again.' Mayank accepts the invitation and jumps out once more. This time though, he is not to the pitch of the ball. Looks to clear long on but gets more height than distance. Mitchell S |
| 'BOO! BOO! BOO!' goes the crowd. Any surprises for whom? Indian skipper, Virat Kohli, is in at number 4. He might have a message or two for the ones booing... watch out Australia... |
| 34.1 : J Hazlewood to Kohli, On a length outside off, left alone. |
| 34.2 : J Hazlewood to Kohli, Full and just outside off, watchfully defended. |
| 34.3 : J Hazlewood to Kohli, Full again, but a bit wider outside off, shouldered arms to. |
| 34.4 : J Hazlewood to Kohli, FOUR! FABULOUS! Just 4 balls to get off the mark. Too full in length, outside off, Kohli leans and places this beautifully past a diving short extra cover for a boundary to get going. That will boost his confidence, as if he was short of it. |
| 34.5 : J Hazlewood to Kohli, Tighter line, watchfully defended outside off. |
| 34.6 : J Hazlewood to Kohli, A bouncer outside off, Virat sways away. |
| 35.1 : N Lyon to Pujara, Full on middle, Pujara comes down the track and whips it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 35.2 : N Lyon to Kohli, Around off, worked straight to short mid-wicket. |
| 35.3 : N Lyon to Kohli, Goes back to defend this one to the off side. |
| 35.4 : N Lyon to Kohli, Full and around off, worked uppishly, just wide of short leg, towards short mid-wicket. |
| 35.5 : N Lyon to Kohli, Quicker one, pushing this through, outside off, watchfully blocked out. |
| 35.6 : N Lyon to Kohli, Around off, spinning in, Kohli goes back and carefully turns it past leg gully for a couple through fine leg. |
| 36.1 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Full and straight, pushed towards mid on. |
| 36.2 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, A short ball outside off, Pujara lets it be. |
| 36.3 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Full again, blocked back to the bowler. |
| 36.4 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Back of a length outside off, pushed towards point. |
| 36.5 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Hitting that Hazlewood length in the corridor of Josh, pushed towards point. |
| 36.6 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, A bouncer to end the over, Pujara ducks. |
| 37.1 : N Lyon to V Kohli, Full and outside off, Kohli leans and pushes it towards long on for a single. |
| 37.2 : N Lyon to Pujara, Around off, watchfully flicked towards short mid-wicket. |
| 37.3 : N Lyon to Pujara, Fuller in length, pushed towards point. |
| 37.4 : N Lyon to Pujara, Comes down the track and flicks but cannot beat short mid-wicket. |
| 37.5 : N Lyon to C Pujara, On middle, once again use of the feet from Che, pushed straight to mid on this time. |
| 37.6 : N Lyon to Pujara, FOUR! FANTASTIC! Finally Pujara finds the gap. Tossed up outside off, Che comes down the track and drives it through mid off. Calls Kohli though for a quick single but he need not bother. The fielder dives to his right but misses. The stand moves to 12. |
| 38.1 : J Hazlewood to Kohli, Full and outside off, Kohli looks to defend but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads. |
| 38.2 : J Hazlewood to Kohli, Outside off, left alone. |
| 38.3 : J Hazlewood to Kohli, Outside off, Virat looks to defend but gets a bottom edge towards gully. |
| 38.4 : J Hazlewood to Kohli, A bouncer now, VK ducks. |
| 38.5 : J Hazlewood to Kohli, Full and outside off, well watched out. |
| 38.6 : J Hazlewood to Kohli, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 39.1 : N Lyon to Pujara, Full on middle, Pujara comes down the track and flicks it through mid-wicket but Pat Cummins dives to his left to stop the ball. |
| 39.2 : N Lyon to Pujara, Close. Quicker one outside off, Che initially looks to pad it away, then tries to defend but in the end, does neither. Is beaten. |
| 39.3 : N Lyon to Pujara, Full and around off, worked in front of short leg. |
| 39.4 : N Lyon to Pujara, Jumps down the track and pushes it towards cover. |
| 39.5 : N Lyon to Pujara, This time he stays in his crease, allows the ball to turn and works it with the spin through fine leg for a single. |
| 39.6 : N Lyon to Kohli, Full and outside off, a bit of flight, watchfully worked towards short mid-wicket. |
| 40.1 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, On a good length around off, defended watchfully. |
| 40.2 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Full and just outside off, carefully blocked towards point. |
| 40.3 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, A bouncer now, Pujara ducks. |
| 40.4 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Back of a length outside off, pushed towards point. |
| 40.5 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Holds his length back again, Che stands tall and pushes it towards cover. |
| 40.6 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Full and just outside off, solid as ever is Cheteshwar as he pushes this right under his eyes towards mid on. |
| 41.1 : N Lyon to Kohli, Full and outside off, worked wristily back to the bowler. |
| 41.2 : N Lyon to Kohli, Similar ball, this is flicked towards short mid-wicket. |
| 41.3 : N Lyon to Kohli, Goes back and across and helps it with soft hands through square leg for a single. |
| 41.4 : N Lyon to Pujara, Around off, turning in, worked in front of short leg. |
| 41.5 : N Lyon to Pujara, Comes down the track this time and pushes it towards mid on. |
| 41.6 : N Lyon to C Pujara, Once again Pujara is out of his crease, pushing the ball towards mid on once more. |
| Pat Cummins is back on. 9-1-37-0 so far. |
| 42.1 : Pat Cummins to Kohli, On a good length around off, watchfully defended. |
| 42.2 : Pat Cummins to Kohli, Full and around off, solidly defended. |
| 42.3 : Pat Cummins to Kohli, Landed on a length outside off, Kohli shoulders arms. |
| 42.4 : Pat Cummins to Kohli, Action replay of the previous delivery. |
| 42.5 : Pat Cummins to Kohli, Fuller in length, watchfully let through. |
| 42.6 : Pat Cummins to Kohli, A touch wider than the previous one, VK lets it through again. |
| 43.1 : N Lyon to C Pujara, Short and outside off, turning in a mile, Pujara goes back and punches it towards short mid-wicket. |
| 43.2 : N Lyon to Pujara, Comes down the track this time and blocks it towards short mid-wicket once more. |
| 43.3 : N Lyon to Pujara, Natural variation. Tries to bowl the off spin, hits the crack and then straightens past the outside edge of Che's bat as he looks to defend. |
| 43.4 : N Lyon to C Pujara, Once again he is down the track to defend the ball towards mid on. |
| 43.5 : N Lyon to Pujara, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 43.6 : N Lyon to Pujara, Fuller in length, CP is down the track to meet the ball, pushing it towards mid on. |
| 44.1 : Pat Cummins to Kohli, Outside off, Kohli shoulders arms. |
| 44.2 : Pat Cummins to Kohli, A short ball outside off, Kohli looks to pull but is a tad early into the shot. The ball goes off the bottom edge through mid-wicket and he runs back for the second. |
| 44.3 : Pat Cummins to Kohli, Full and outside off, Virat is watchfully behind this one on the front foot, to defend. |
| 44.4 : Pat Cummins to Kohli, Outside off, the skipper gets a good stride forward to push it towards cover. |
| 44.5 : Pat Cummins to Kohli, Full and outside off, VK walks into the shot and pushes it towards point. |
| 44.6 : Pat Cummins to Kohli, Full and around off, well blocked out. |
| 45.1 : N Lyon to Pujara, A short ball outside off, spinning in, Pujara goes back and plays it against the turn through the covers for a single. |
| 45.2 : N Lyon to Kohli, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 45.3 : N Lyon to Kohli, Around middle, flicked uppishly, wide of short leg for a single. |
| 45.4 : N Lyon to Pujara, A touch short, pushed uppishly, but well wide of the bowler towards mid on. |
| 45.5 : Lyon to Pujara, Comes down the track and keeps his bat behind the pad, thrusting the ball away, Another LBW appeal from Lyon, turned down. |
| 45.6 : N Lyon to Pujara, Once again Pujara is out of his crease, looking to pad-block but misses. The ball flies off the pad over a leaping short leg. |
| 46.1 : Pat Cummins to Kohli, FOUR! Not totally convincing. A short ball, around middle, Kohli swivels to pull but is too early into his shot. The cherry goes off his gloves, past Paine and trickles into the fine leg fence. The stand moves to 22. |
| 46.2 : Pat Cummins to Kohli, Outside off, pushed towards cover. |
| 46.3 : Pat Cummins to Kohli, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 46.4 : Pat Cummins to Kohli, Around off, watchfully kept out. |
| 46.5 : Pat Cummins to Kohli, Outside off, left alone. |
| 46.6 : Pat Cummins to Kohli, A wide ball outside off, short in length, Virat gets across but then lets it go. |
| 47.1 : N Lyon to Pujara, Full and around off, Pujara comes down the track and flicks it towards short mid-wicket. |
| 47.2 : N Lyon to C Pujara, Short and outside off, cut through point but Pat Cummins does extremely well to slide to his left to sop. |
| 47.3 : N Lyon to Pujara, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 47.4 : N Lyon to Pujara, Tossed up outside off, watchfully kept out. |
| 47.5 : N Lyon to Pujara, FOUR! IMPERIOUS! A short ball, on middle, Pujara rocks back and pulls it through square leg. 150 UP FOR INDIA! |
| 47.6 : N Lyon to Pujara, Floated outside off, Cheteshwar comes down the track and defends. |
| 48.1 : Pat Cummins to Kohli, On a good length outside off, Kohli shoulders arms. |
| 48.2 : Pat Cummins to Kohli, A shorter ball, outside off, left alone. |
| 48.3 : Pat Cummins to Kohli, Full and outside off, Kohli gets forward and defends towards cover. |
| 48.4 : Pat Cummins to Kohli, EDGED, FOUR! Indecision from the skipper. On a length outside off, Kohli's initial thought is to try and defend. But then, he tries to withdraw his bat. Is late and the ball runs off the middle of the bat past the lone slip to the third man fence. The stand is worth 30 now. |
| 48.5 : Pat Cummins to Kohli, Outside off, left alone. |
| 48.6 : Pat Cummins to Kohli, Fuller in length outside off, Virat shoulders arms. |
| 49.1 : N Lyon to Pujara, Full and outside off, Pujara comes down the track to defend but misses and is hit on the pads. |
| 49.2 : N Lyon to Pujara, Plays that very deftly and late, allowing the ball to come in and then working it through fine leg. Two runs taken. |
| 49.3 : N Lyon to Pujara, Outside off, nice late cut from Che. He gets it past Josh Hazlewood at backward point and runs towards the other end. But Kohli is not running! He is walking in the middle of the pitch, doing some gardening before he looks up in time to see that Hazlewood has got to the ball near the ropes. Now he starts to run and completes two swiftly. |
| 49.4 : N Lyon to Pujara, On middle and leg, worked through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 49.5 : N Lyon to Kohli, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 49.6 : N Lyon to Kohli, Full and around off, wristed towards short mid-wicket. |
| Interesting. With 6 minutes to go to Tea, Tim Paine has gone to Marnus Labuschagne, the leggie. |
| 50.1 : M Labuschagne to Pujara, Not a bad start. Floated around middle, very full, watchfully defended. |
| 50.2 : M Labuschagne to Pujara, FOUR! HALF CENTURY FOR PUJARA! His 21st in Tests, 8th against Australia. Gets a free gift, a long hop, Che rocks back and pulls it over mid-wicket! Another watchful innings and his good form continues... |
| 50.3 : M Labuschagne to Pujara, Full and around off, pushed towards cover. |
| 50.4 : M Labuschagne to Pujara, FOUR! Another half tracker. In the middle of the pitch, Pujara goes back and pulls it through mid-wicket. Result is the same! |
| 50.5 : M Labuschagne to Pujara, The batsman has played it to the point region. |
| 50.6 : M Labuschagne to Pujara, FOUR! Third boundary in the over! A long hop again, Pujara has all the time in the world to rock back and pull it through mid-wicket! |
| 51.1 : N Lyon to Kohli, Full and around middle, flicked through mid-wicket. |
| 51.2 : N Lyon to Kohli, Played to the mid-wicket region by the batsman. |
| 51.3 : N Lyon to Kohli, Full and around off, worked towards short mid-wicket again. |
| 51.4 : N Lyon to Kohli, FOUR! FLAMBOYANT! Full and wide outside off, Kohli reaches out and drives it through the covers for a boundary! 50 OF THE PARTNERSHIP COMES UP! |
| 51.5 : N Lyon to Kohli, Full and around middle, worked towards short mid-wicket. |
| 51.6 : N Lyon to Kohli, Around off, watchfully defended. TEA ON DAY 1! |
| Wonderful session for India. Lost only Mayank Agarwal and accumulated 108 runs in 28 overs. The only positives for Australia were the wicket and the over-rate. |
| It will be harsh to say that the Aussies did not try hard. They kept the Indians quiet with some relentless short pitched bowling but the visitors were quite up to the task. And later, when the heat started to get onto the bowlers, the runs came. |
| Full marks to Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli. It would have been so easy to get carried away on a nice sunny afternoon and a flat-looking deck. But both batsmen have held their composure and done the basics right. Time now for them to bed in and make this a near-fruitless day for the Aussies. |
| What can the hosts do? Well, just try and be relentless and hope that they get a wicket from somewhere and then try to force a collapse. Looks like another long and tiring session awaits. 38 overs left. Join us back at 3.30 pm local (0430 GMT). |
| ... DAY 1, FINAL SESSION ... |
| The Indians are already out in the middle. The Aussies, not quite yet. Waiting outside the boundary not sure for whom. Eventually, they tread out. It will be Josh Hazlewood to start off proceedings to Cheteshwar Pujara. 13-6-27-1 so far. |
| 52.1 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Length delivery on off, Pujara looks to defend but gets an outside edge past slips. It goes towards third man. The batsmen pick up a couple. |
| 52.2 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Length delivery on leg, Pujara flicks it towards square leg for a run. |
| 52.3 : J Hazlewood to Kohli, On middle, Kohli blocks it well. |
| 52.4 : J Hazlewood to Kohli, Length delivery on middle, Kohli pushes it to short mid-wicket. |
| 52.5 : J Hazlewood to Kohli, OUT! Massive wicket for Australia. And it has come in the form of a bonus. Short of a length delivery on leg, Kohli looks to help it through the leg side and a boundary was around the corner. |
| Ajinkya Rahane walks in at number 5, replacing his skipper. |
| 52.6 : J Hazlewood to Rahane, Bowls a bouncer, Rahane does well to duck under it. |
| Nathan Lyon to continue. |
| 53.1 : N Lyon to Pujara, Flighted delivery on middle, Pujara comes down the track and defends it. |
| 53.2 : N Lyon to Pujara, FOUR! Poor delivery from Nathan Lyon. Bowls short, Pujara latches onto it and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 53.3 : N Lyon to Pujara, Flighted delivery on off, Cheteshwar comes down the track and blocks it. |
| 53.4 : N Lyon to Pujara, Floated on middle, Pujara gets to the pitch of the ball and defends it. |
| 53.5 : N Lyon to Pujara, Wide outside off, the batsman lets it go. |
| 53.6 : N Lyon to Pujara, Tossed up on leg, Cheteshwar nudges it towards fine leg. The batsmen pick up a couple. |
| 54.1 : J Hazlewood to Rahane, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 54.2 : J Hazlewood to Rahane, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 54.3 : J Hazlewood to Rahane, A bouncer outside off, left alone. |
| 54.4 : J Hazlewood to Rahane, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 54.5 : J Hazlewood to Rahane, A bouncer outside off, Rahane sways away from the pull. |
| 54.6 : J Hazlewood to Rahane, On middle and leg, helped through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 55.1 : N Lyon to Rahane, Short on off, Rahane cuts it towards point. The batsmen pick up a couple. |
| 55.2 : N Lyon to Rahane, Tossed up on off, Rahane offers a forward defense on this one. |
| 55.3 : N Lyon to Rahane, Flighted delivery on middle, Ajinkya blocks it well. |
| 55.4 : N Lyon to Rahane, Floated on middle, Rahane looks to pull but gets hit on the thigh pad. |
| 55.5 : N Lyon to Rahane, Loopy delivery on off, Rahane defends off the back foot. |
| 55.6 : N Lyon to Rahane, Tossed up on off, Ajinkya keeps it out. |
| 56.1 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, THAT WAS CLOSE! Good length delivery outside off, Pujara looks to defend but it kept low on him and missed the off stump by a whisker. |
| 56.2 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Length delivery on off, Cheteshwar defends off the back foot. |
| 56.3 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Length delivery on middle, Pujara nudges it towards the leg side for a run. |
| 56.4 : J Hazlewood to Rahane, FOUR! Amazing shot from Rahane. Easy pickings for him. Short outside off, Ajinkya cuts it over point for a boundary. |
| 56.5 : J Hazlewood to Rahane, Length delivery on middle, Ajinkya flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 56.6 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Good length delivery on middle, Cheteshwar keeps it out. |
| 57.1 : N Lyon to Rahane, Tossed up around middle, punched back to the bowler. |
| 57.2 : N Lyon to Rahane, Fuller again, outside off, Rahane defends watchfully. |
| 57.3 : N Lyon to Rahane, Full again, pressed towards cover. |
| 57.4 : N Lyon to Rahane, Landed outside off, Jinx comes forward and dead-bats it. |
| 57.5 : N Lyon to Rahane, In the same line and the same channel, Ajinkya shows the same reaction. |
| 57.6 : N Lyon to Rahane, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. |
| 58.1 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, A bouncer on middle, Pujara ducks. |
| 58.2 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 58.3 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, On middle and leg, flicked towards short mid-wicket. |
| 58.4 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Bouncer! The batsman ducks in time to let that one go over him. |
| 58.5 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 58.6 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 59.1 : N Lyon to Rahane, Tossed up on off, Rahane defends off the front foot. |
| 59.2 : N Lyon to Rahane, Flighted delivery on off, Rahane goes back and defends off the back foot. |
| 59.3 : N Lyon to Rahane, Floated on off, Ajinkya blocks it well. |
| 59.4 : N Lyon to Rahane, Flighted delivery on middle, Rahane keeps it out. |
| 59.5 : N Lyon to Rahane, Floated on middle, the batsman defends off the back foot. |
| 59.6 : N Lyon to A Rahane, Tossed up on middle, Rahane looks to defend but the ball spun in sharply and he got an inside edge onto the pads. It goes to the leg side. Second consecutive maiden over from Nathan Lyon. |
| Pat Cummins is back. 13-2-47-0 so far. |
| 60.1 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, On a good length around off, defended watchfully. |
| 60.2 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Back of a length outside off, watchfully kept out. |
| 60.3 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Full and around off, Pujara looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 60.4 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, On middle and off, worked through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 60.5 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Full on middle, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 60.6 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. |
| 61.1 : N Lyon to Rahane, Floated on off, Rahane defends off the back foot. |
| 61.2 : N Lyon to Rahane, Tossed up on off, Rahane comes down the track and plays it towards the bowler. |
| 61.3 : N Lyon to Rahane, Flighted delivery on middle, Rahane flicks it through mid-wicket for a run. That is a single after 14 dots against Nathan Lyon. |
| 61.4 : N Lyon to Pujara, Tossed up on off, Pujara blocks it well. |
| 61.5 : N Lyon to Pujara, Floated on off, Pujara comes down the track and pads it away. |
| 61.6 : N Lyon to Pujara, Loopy delivery on middle, Cheteshwar defends off the back foot. |
| 62.1 : Pat Cummins to Rahane, Full and outside off, Rahane leans into the drive and eases it wide of mid off, through the covers. Two runs taken. 200 UP FOR INDIA! Still 167 balls scheduled for the close. |
| 62.2 : Pat Cummins to Rahane, Landed outside off, moving away, watchfully pushed towards cover. |
| 62.3 : Pat Cummins to Rahane, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total. |
| 62.4 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Bowls a bouncer, Pujara does well to duck under it. |
| 62.5 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Length delivery on middle, Pujara flicks it towards square leg for a single. |
| 62.6 : Pat Cummins to Rahane, Length delivery on middle, Rahane tucks it to mid-wicket. |
| 63.1 : N Lyon to Pujara, FOUR! Good shot from Pujara. Floated on off, Pujara comes down the track and flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary. Finally he gets that shot right. |
| 63.2 : N Lyon to Pujara, Floated on off, Cheteshwar keeps it out. |
| 63.3 : N Lyon to Pujara, FOUR! Second boundary in this over. Tossed up on middle, Pujara comes down the track and flicks it through mid on for a boundary. This is good batting from him. |
| 63.4 : N Lyon to Pujara, Flighted delivery on leg, Pujara nudges it to the leg side. |
| 63.5 : N Lyon to Pujara, Tossed up on middle, the batsman pushes it to mid-wicket. |
| 63.6 : N Lyon to Pujara, Floated on middle, Pujara flicks it to mid-wicket. Good over for India. 8 runs of it. |
| 64.1 : Pat Cummins to Rahane, A bit too straight, flicked towards long leg for a single. |
| 64.2 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Good length delivery on middle, Pujara keeps it out. |
| 64.3 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Good length delivery on middle, Pujara looks to defend but gets extra bounce on this one and is hit on his glove. |
| 64.4 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Bowls a bumper down leg, Cheteshwar ducks underneath it. |
| 64.5 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Length delivery on middle, Pujara flicks it to the leg side. |
| 64.6 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Good length delivery on off, the batsman keeps it out. |
| 65.1 : N Lyon to Rahane, Full and outside off, Rahane comes down the track and works it towards short mid-wicket. |
| 65.2 : N Lyon to Rahane, Flighted delivery on middle, Rahane flicks it towards short leg. |
| 65.3 : N Lyon to Rahane, Tossed up on off, Ajinkya comes down the track and plays it to point. |
| 65.4 : N Lyon to Rahane, Floated on off, Ajinkya defends off the back foot. |
| 65.5 : N Lyon to Rahane, Tossed up on middle, Rahane offers a forward defense on this one. |
| 65.6 : N Lyon to Rahane, Outside off, the batsman leaves it alone. |
| 66.1 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, On a length outside off, defended to the off side. |
| 66.2 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Length delivery on off, Pujara taps it towards point. Two runs taken. |
| 66.3 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Length delivery on off, Pujara defends it out. |
| 66.4 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Good length delivery on off, Cheteshwar defends off the back foot. |
| 66.5 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Good length delivery on off again, Pujara keeps it out. |
| 66.6 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Bowls it down the leg side, the batsman lets it go. |
| 67.1 : N Lyon to Rahane, Tossed up outside off, Rahane comes down the track and plays it to covers. |
| 67.2 : N Lyon to Rahane, Floated on off, Ajinkya blocks it off his back foot. |
| 67.3 : N Lyon to Rahane, Tossed up on off, Rahane defends off the back foot. |
| 67.4 : N Lyon to Rahane, Flighted delivery on off, the batsman blocks it well. |
| 67.5 : N Lyon to Rahane, Short outside off, Rahane cuts it to covers. |
| 67.6 : N Lyon to Rahane, Loopy delivery on middle, Rahane easily keeps it out. |
| 68.1 : M Starc to Pujara, FOUR! Good start to the over. Full on middle, Pujara flicks it through mid on for a boundary. |
| 68.2 : M Starc to C Pujara, FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries for Pujara. He moves into the 90s. Short outside off, Pujara cuts it through point for a boundary. |
| 68.3 : M Starc to Pujara, Good length delivery on off, the batsman defends off the front foot. |
| 68.4 : M Starc to Pujara, JUST MISSES THE STUMPS! Length delivery on off, Pujara looks to punch but gets an inside edge which goes past the off stump. It goes towards fine leg. The batsmen cross ends. Nervous 90 moment for Cheteshwar Pujara. |
| 68.5 : M Starc to Rahane, Full on off, Ajinkya plays it towards point. The batsmen get two runs. |
| 68.6 : M Starc to Rahane, Good length delivery on off, the batsman keeps it out. Big over for India. 11 runs off it. |
| 69.1 : N Lyon to Pujara, Flighted on middle, Pujara comes down the track and flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 69.2 : N Lyon to Rahane, Outside off, a touch slower, defended from the crease. |
| 69.3 : N Lyon to Rahane, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. |
| 69.4 : N Lyon to A Rahane, Short and outside off, Rahane cuts and gets an outside edge. It is in the air but in the gap between cover and point. Two runs taken. |
| 69.5 : N Lyon to Rahane, Played through mid-wicket by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 69.6 : N Lyon to Pujara, Around off, Pujara gets across and nudges it towards square leg. |
| 70.1 : M Starc to Rahane, Full on middle, Rahane drives it straight back towards the bowler where he gets a hand to it and hits the stumps at the non-strikers end. |
| 70.2 : Starc to Rahane, OUT! Beauty of a delivery from Mitchell Starc. Ajinkya Rahane departs! First real good delivery today to get a wicket. Outside off, short of a length delivery, it rises off the deck, Rahane looked to fend at it but it keeps on rising. He is no position to play that ball as both his feet are in the air and gloves it. It goes towards Tim Paine who jumps and takes a very good catch. Starc gets his first wicket of the day. Timely one for Australia with the second new ball arou |
| Hanuma Vihari comes in at number 6, replacing Rahane. |
| 70.3 : M Starc to Vihari, On a good length around middle, tucked towards square leg. |
| 70.4 : M Starc to Vihari, A short ball around off, Vihari sways away from the line. |
| 70.5 : M Starc to Vihari, FOUR! Confident shot to get off the mark! Back of a length outside off, Vihari gets on top of the bounce and punches it with beautiful timing through the covers! |
| 70.6 : M Starc to Vihari, Wide down the leg side, Hanuma lets it go. |
| 71.1 : N Lyon to Pujara, Full and outside off, Rahane looks to defend and does so nicely. |
| 71.2 : N Lyon to Pujara, Around off, solidly defended. |
| 71.3 : N Lyon to Pujara, Outside off, spinning in, watchfully blocked. |
| 71.4 : N Lyon to Pujara, Comes down the track and pads it towards short leg who shows great anticipation to throw it back to Paine. Pujara gets back in though. |
| 71.5 : N Lyon to Pujara, That's hit the batsman on his pads. |
| 71.6 : N Lyon to Pujara, The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. One run added to the total. |
| 72.1 : M Starc to Pujara, Bowls a bouncer outside off, Pujara does well to let it go through him. |
| 72.2 : M Starc to Pujara, Length delivery on off, Pujara taps it towards point for a single. He moves to 96. |
| 72.3 : M Starc to Vihari, Length delivery on middle, Vihari pushes it to mid on. |
| 72.4 : M Starc to Vihari, Outside off, Vihari shoulders his arms to this one. |
| 72.5 : M Starc to Vihari, Length delivery on middle, the batsman flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 72.6 : M Starc to Pujara, FOUR! 100 for Cheteshwar Pujara. 18th hundred for him. What an innings from him. Full delivery on leg, Pujara flicks it through square leg where Lyon dives but in vain. It races away to the boundary. |
| 73.1 : N Lyon to Vihari, Tossed up on off, Hanuma defends off the back foot. |
| 73.2 : N Lyon to Vihari, GOOD RUNNING BETWEEN THE WICKETS! Full on off, Vihari drives it through covers. The fielder chases it and stops it comfortably. The batsmen get three runs. |
| 73.3 : N Lyon to Pujara, Floated on middle, Pujara flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 73.4 : N Lyon to Vihari, Tossed up on off, the batsman defends off the back foot. |
| 73.5 : N Lyon to Vihari, Flighted delivery on off, Vihari keeps it out. |
| 73.6 : N Lyon to Vihari, Floated on off, the batsman blocks it well. |
| Marnus Labuschagne is back. 1-0-12-0 so far. |
| 74.1 : M Labuschagne to C Pujara, Short and outside off, cut through point for a single. |
| 74.2 : M Labuschagne to Vihari, The batsman has pushed it to the cover region. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 74.3 : M Labuschagne to Pujara, Full and around off, watchfully blocked out. |
| 74.4 : M Labuschagne to Pujara, Full and just outside off, well blocked out. |
| 74.5 : M Labuschagne to Pujara, Full and just outside off, well blocked out. |
| 74.6 : M Labuschagne to Pujara, Full and outside off, Pujara comes down the track and drives it through the covers but Shaun Marsh at short extra cover dives to his right and takes some sting off the ball. Just a single. |
| 75.1 : N Lyon to Pujara, FOUR! 250 up for India. What a shot! Full on middle, Pujara dances down the track and drives it through mid on for a boundary. |
| 75.2 : N Lyon to Pujara, Tossed up on off, Pujara defends it out. |
| 75.3 : N Lyon to Pujara, Flighted delivery on middle, the batsman offers a forward defense on this one. |
| 75.4 : N Lyon to Pujara, Tossed up on middle, Pujara flicks it to the leg side. |
| 75.5 : N Lyon to Pujara, Floated on off, Cheteshwar keeps it out. |
| 75.6 : N Lyon to Pujara, Loopy delivery on off, the batsman defends off the front foot. |
| 76.1 : M Labuschagne to Vihari, Short and outside off, punched through the covers for a single. |
| 76.2 : M Labuschagne to Pujara, FOUR! That is a very poor ball and Pujara takes full toll. A high full toss, around middle, the centurion dispatches it out of his presence with a pull over mid-wicket! |
| 76.3 : M Labuschagne to Pujara, Outside off, pushed through the covers for a single. |
| 76.4 : M Labuschagne to Vihari, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. |
| 76.5 : M Labuschagne to H Vihari, Outside off, eased through the covers for a run. |
| 76.6 : M Labuschagne to Pujara, Outside off, punched through the covers for one more. |
| 77.1 : N Lyon to Pujara, Tossed up on middle, Pujara flicks it to square leg. |
| 77.2 : N Lyon to Pujara, Flighted delivery on middle, Pujara comes down the track and flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 77.3 : N Lyon to Vihari, Tossed up on middle, Vihari flicks it towards square leg for a run. |
| 77.4 : N Lyon to Pujara, Floated on off, Cheteshwar comes down the track and flicks it to short mid-wicket who makes a good stop and saves runs for the team. |
| 77.5 : N Lyon to Pujara, Flighted delivery on middle, the batsman dances down the track and hits it towards mid-wicket. The batsmen pick up a couple. |
| 77.6 : N Lyon to Pujara, Floated on off, Pujara comes on the front foot and looks to defend but gets hit on the pads and it lobs to Tim Paine. A muted appeal from the keeper but it came off the pads. |
| 78.1 : M Labuschagne to Vihari, Tossed up outside off, Vihari reaches out and pushes it towards point. |
| 78.2 : M Labuschagne to Vihari, On middle, pushed down to long on for a single. |
| 78.3 : M Labuschagne to Pujara, Around off, punched towards cover. |
| 78.4 : M Labuschagne to Pujara, Well tossed up outside off, eased towards point. |
| 78.5 : M Labuschagne to Pujara, Floated outside off, turning away, left alone. |
| 78.6 : M Labuschagne to Pujara, Works this through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 79.1 : N Lyon to Pujara, Tossed up on off, Pujara comes forward and pads it away. |
| 79.2 : N Lyon to Pujara, Floated on middle, Pujara flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 79.3 : N Lyon to Vihari, Tossed up on leg, Vihari flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 79.4 : N Lyon to Pujara, Flighted delivery on leg, Cheteshwar nudges it to the leg side. |
| 79.5 : N Lyon to Pujara, Floated on leg, Pujara flicks it to the leg side. |
| 79.6 : Lyon to Pujara, Massive appeal for LBW! Not out! Close, was it? |
| Time for the second new ball. Will Australia take it? YES. THEY DO. Josh Hazlewood to make the first use of it. 17-7-37-2 so far. |
| 80.1 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, Good length delivery on off, Vihari plays it to covers. |
| 80.2 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, Down the leg side, helped through fine leg for a single. |
| 80.3 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Outside off, left alone. |
| 80.4 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Full and outside off, the tempter, Pujara does not fall for it and lets it go. |
| 80.5 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, FOUR! Easy pickings. Half volley and that too, on the pads. Help yourself. Flicked to the mid-wicket fence. |
| 80.6 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| Mitchell Starc to bowl from the other end. |
| 81.1 : M Starc to Vihari, Landed outside off, tight line, angling away, Vihari watches it closely and lets it go. |
| 81.2 : M Starc to Vihari, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 81.3 : M Starc to Vihari, Around off, defended from the crease. |
| 81.4 : M Starc to Vihari, Full and outside off, Vihari leans and drives it wide of mid off. The fielder gives it a good chase and manages to save a run for the side. |
| 81.5 : M Starc to Pujara, Around off, defended from the crease. |
| 81.6 : M Starc to Pujara, On middle and leg, flicked through square leg for a couple. |
| 82.1 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, A bouncer around middle, Vihari sways away. |
| 82.2 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, FOUR! Sensational batting. On a good length outside off, Vihari punches it behind point and gets a boundary! Moves to 22 from just 28 deliveries! 50-RUN STAND IS UP AS WELL! |
| 82.3 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, Full and around off, watchfully played out. |
| 82.4 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, Full again, driven straight back to the bowler. |
| 82.5 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 82.6 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, Around off, driven straight back to the bowler once more. |
| 83.1 : M Starc to Pujara, Down the leg side, clipped through square leg for a couple. |
| 83.2 : M Starc to Pujara, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 83.3 : M Starc to Pujara, Around off, watchfully defended. |
| 83.4 : M Starc to Pujara, On a good length around off, watchfully blocked out. |
| 83.5 : M Starc to Pujara, A short ball outside off, Pujara takes his eyes off the ball as he looks to fend and gets hit on the gloves. |
| 83.6 : M Starc to Pujara, Around off, ducked under that bouncer did Pujara. |
| 84.1 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, FOUR! Classic timing! On a length outside off, Vihari punches this behind point and gets a boundary! |
| 84.2 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, Some chin music for the batsman, he lets that bouncer through to the wicket-keeper. |
| 84.3 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, Full and around off, watchfully blocked out. |
| 84.4 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, Landed outside off, a touch short, Vihari sways away from the line. |
| 84.5 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 84.6 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, Outside off, steered through point for a single. |
| 85.1 : M Starc to H Vihari, FOUR! That second new ball is fetching runs. Short and outside off, Vihari gets behind the line and punches it behind point for a boundary! |
| 85.2 : M Starc to Vihari, Down the leg side, tucked through square leg for a single. |
| 85.3 : M Starc to Pujara, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 85.4 : M Starc to Pujara, Around off, played straight to point. |
| 85.5 : M Starc to Pujara, The batsman was beaten and missed the line of the delivery. |
| 85.6 : M Starc to Pujara, On middle, flicked straight to square leg. |
| Pat Cummins to have a go now. 17-2-56-0 so far. |
| 86.1 : Pat Cummins to H Vihari, IN THE AIR... FOUR! Cummins nearly strikes first ball! Full and outside off, Vihari pushes at this away from his body but is not able to control it. The cherry flies but there is no one to take it. There is a man at deep point but he barely has time to move. Sweet timing. |
| 86.2 : Pat Cummins to Vihari, Smart batting. Quietly pushes this towards cover with soft hands and crosses over. |
| 86.3 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, On middle and leg, helped through square leg for a single. |
| 86.4 : Pat Cummins to Vihari, A bouncer outside off, a tired one, just 133.1 kph, Hanuma sways away. |
| 86.5 : Pat Cummins to Vihari, Back of a length outside off, punched back to the bowler. |
| 86.6 : Pat Cummins to Vihari, Slower ball outside off, HV is early into the shot and spoons it back to the bowler. |
| Nathan Lyon to bowl too. 27-5-83-1 so far. |
| 87.1 : N Lyon to Pujara, Around middle, helped through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 87.2 : N Lyon to Vihari, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. |
| 87.3 : N Lyon to Vihari, Full and around off, flicked straight to short mid-wicket. |
| 87.4 : N Lyon to Vihari, Down the leg side, helped straight to short fine leg. |
| 87.5 : N Lyon to H Vihari, A short ball, on middle, pulled straight to short fine leg where Pat Cummins fumbles and concedes a single. 300 UP FOR INDIA! This is the first time in this series that 300 has been scored on the opening day! |
| 87.6 : N Lyon to Pujara, On middle and leg, helped towards short leg. |
| 88.1 : Pat Cummins to Vihari, A bouncer on middle, Vihari ducks. |
| 88.2 : Pat Cummins to Vihari, Down the leg side, Hanuma tucks it to the leg side but is not in control. The ball flies uppishly but does not carry to leg gully. |
| 88.3 : Pat Cummins to Vihari, A bouncer around off, HV ducks. |
| 88.4 : Pat Cummins to Vihari, A short ball but wide down the leg side, left alone. |
| 88.5 : Pat Cummins to Vihari, Effort ball from Patrick. Bangs it around middle, right around that left arm-pit of Vihari. The batsman has no clue as he tries to fend it. Gets a thick inside edge and luckily for him, the ball hits his body. Else short leg was ready to have India 5 down. |
| 88.6 : Pat Cummins to Vihari, Outside off, on a length, Hanuma feels for it but misses. End of Cummins for the day. Not the best one for him. Tried hard but found no success. |
| 89.1 : N Lyon to Pujara, On middle and off, flicked through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 89.2 : N Lyon to Vihari, The batsman works it down the leg side. One run added to the total. |
| 89.3 : N Lyon to Pujara, Outside off, punched off the back foot. |
| 89.4 : N Lyon to Pujara, Played to the mid-wicket region by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 89.5 : N Lyon to Vihari, Full and well outside off, Vihari gets a long way across and pads it away. Lyon appeals for LBW but that was not coming back enough. |
| 89.6 : N Lyon to Vihari, Full and straight, flicked to Marnus Labuschagne at short mid-wicket. STUMPS ON DAY 1! |
| India's day. Lokesh Rahul's wicket on the 9th ball of the morning seems to be a lonnggggg time ago and Pujara has deflated the Aussies again. |
| The reaction of Tim Paine after losing the toss said it all. He was frustrated that he could not make the first use of the wicket and opined that the Aussies had two sessions to make the pitch count after being asked to bowl first. Josh Hazlewood started well, getting Rahul cheaply but after that, it has just been another grinding day for them. |
| No swing, then Starc is not the king. He was brilliant in the first over of the match - swinging the ball like a banana - but then it seemed like the fruit salad had disappeared. The Aussies barely found any movement on this benign pitch and the Indians profited. All the bowlers looked tired after a gruelling series and a forgetful year and that showed in their bowling. The pace was up in the first session but after that, the speeds started to go up and down. Tired bodies. Typical Hazlewood pitc |
| Win the toss, win the match. That has been the mantra in the first three games of this series. Looks like the fourth is heading the same route. India made good use after getting an opportunity to bat with Mayank Agarwal doing well against the new ball again. And Pujara - well, he reminds me of my luck when I used to play business games or monopoly in my childhood. I used to have a lot of money and build a house in every city or town. Che is doing something similar. Owned Adelaide, won the MCG ov |
| 100 runs is all India need then, one believes, to pocket this series. With the pitch already starting to deteriorate, batting is just going to get tougher. Even if Australia do bat well, overhauling 400 and then getting into a winning position with thunderstorms forecast is going to be a monumental effort. The cards are with India. Just a matter of declaring 'SHOW.' Maybe, if the first session on Friday sees a collapse, the visitors will have a chance. Join us on Friday at 10.30 am local (2330 G |
| ... Day 2, Session 1 ... |
| Hello and welcome to Day 2 of the final Test between Australia and India. We had a Day 1 where the visitors' batting dominated what looked like a tired Aussie bowling line up. 303 scored in the day, the fastest they have played all series gives a testimony to that fact. Yet again, the Indian number 3, Cheteshwar Pujara has been a thorn in the hosts' plans and given them a really long day. He was first given company by the 2-Test youngster Mayank Agarwal and then towards the end of day, by Hanuma |
| As for the hosts, the second ball is still new and that gives a glimmer of hope. Every batsman needs to come back and start afresh on a new day and the best time to dismiss someone is early on in the day. There might just be a little moisture for the first half an hour on the surface as well. That said, Nathan Lyon did get the ball to talk and the pitch is deteriorating quite rapidly. Early wickets are the key, else the prospect of India winning their first ever series Down Under looks imminent. |
| Pitch Report - Brendon Julian feels that there will be invariable bounce from the surface on Day 2. Expects the cracks to widen under the hot sun and cause a little problems for the batsmen. Feels that India did really well to score 300 plus on the first day and batting will just become more difficult from here on. Signs off by saying it is very hot out there. |
| The batsmen and the fielders are out in the middle. Josh Hazlewood to bowl first up and Cheteshwar Pujara to take strike. Let's go... |
| 90.1 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Length ball just outside off first up, defended coming half-ahead by Pujara. |
| 90.2 : J Hazlewood to C Pujara, First runs of the day! Full and outside off, Pujara pounces on the ball and drives it through cover on the front foot. 3 runs are taken. |
| 90.3 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, Bouncer first up to Vihari. The batsman sways out of the way after ducking. |
| 90.4 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, Length ball on middle, Hanuma pats it back. |
| 90.5 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, Slightly short outside off, Vihari tries to push the ball in the gap and get a single. Pujara sends him back as the ball is close to the fielder at cover-point. |
| 90.6 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, Another bouncer to end the over, HV lets it go. |
| Pat Cummins to bowl from the other end. |
| 91.1 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Good length ball just outside off, Pujara stands tall and defends. |
| 91.2 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, On a length outside off, defended with soft hands. |
| 91.3 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Short of a length above off stump, a nice back foot defense from Che. |
| 91.4 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Drifting onto the pads, Pujara flicks it through the square leg region and comes back for a couple. |
| 91.5 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Good ball! Hit the deck hard here and the ball seems to have come in slightly, maybe hitting a crack. Pujara pushes it back towards the bowler. Post playing the ball, the batsman goes and taps the pitch where he feels the ball bounced to settle it down. |
| 91.6 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Length ball outside off, keeps a bit low. Defended from within the crease. |
| 92.1 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, Play and a miss! Perfect line and length outside off, Vihari plays a loose shot outside off and the ball cuts in a bit beating him on the inside. |
| 92.2 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, Another play and a miss! This one looks like it's landed on the seam or on a crack and taken off. Vihari who is hanging back goes nowhere with his footwork as he tries to push this through covers. Is beaten comprehensively on the outside this time. |
| 92.3 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, Lets the ball go outside the off stump this time. Much better to watch the ball and take some time early on in the day. |
| 92.4 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, Outside off and left alone once more by the batsman. |
| 92.5 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, Really well aimed bouncer this time, Hanuma sways out of the way and lets the ball go. |
| 92.6 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, Outside off on a length, HV shoulders arms and lets the ball go. Maiden over, a testing one. |
| 93.1 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Slightly fuller length outside off, Pujara takes a stride ahead and defends on the front foot. |
| 93.2 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Well outside off, on a good length. Pujara gauges and then lets the ball go. |
| 93.3 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Bouncer! Ducks under it and evades the ball. |
| 93.4 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Length ball outside off, Che comes ahead and dead-bats. |
| 93.5 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Hurled in outside off, calmly defended by Pujara back down the ground. |
| 93.6 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Goes on to the pads, the batsman tries to turn it away behind square on the leg side but finds the fielder. Maiden over, second in a row. Building pressure from both ends. That's more like it from the Aussies. |
| 94.1 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, Short of a length and coming in slightly with the angle, Vihari pushes it back to the bowler off the back foot. |
| 94.2 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, Fuller length outside off, Vihari gets this punchy-drive through the gap in the covers. Double taken. |
| 94.3 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, Strays onto the pads on this occasion, Hanuma misses his flick and the ball rolls off his pads towards fine leg. Runs through for a leg bye. |
| 94.4 : J Hazlewood to C Pujara, Good fielding! Excellent dive from Nathan Lyon, considering he has done the bulk of the bowling yesterday. Saves a run for his team. Fuller length ball outside off, Pujara drives and finds the gap through the covers. The outfield seems a bit slow and the ball doesn't have the legs to reach the fence. Would have just trickled over if not for Lyon's effort. He pulls it back and then Head, who has also run in from widish mid off, sends the ball back in play. |
| 94.5 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, Bouncer! Vihari ducks under it. |
| 94.6 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, Short length ball going down the leg side, Hanuma chases after it but doesn't connect. Paine makes a good take down the leg side with a dive to his left. |
| 95.1 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Bouncer first up! Pujara lets it go over his head as he ducks. |
| 95.2 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Length ball outside off, Che pushes it towards point off the back foot. |
| 95.3 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Goes for the really full ball this time, Pujara is ahead as he drives this to mid on. |
| 95.4 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Another effort ball from Cummins. Well aimed but equally well adjusted to by the batsman as he sways and leaves. |
| 95.5 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Short of a length outside off, defended calmly from within the crease. |
| 95.6 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, A little outside off, Pujara hangs his bat out in defense. Maiden over, second in a row for Cummins. |
| 96.1 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, Good ball, on the off stump line and on a good length. Vihari doesn't seem too bothered as he pushes it away defensively towards mid on. |
| 96.2 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, Good bowling! On the money again on off stump and slightly fullish than the last time. Hanuma gets his bat down in time and pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 96.3 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, This one is well outside off, left alone. There is also excellent carry on this ball outside off, almost flew through after landing. |
| 96.4 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, Bouncer! HV ducks under it as the ball goes down leg. |
| 96.5 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, Fuller length outside off, Vihari comes ahead and defends this ball with a straight bat. |
| 96.6 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, Good ball to end the over. On the off stump and middle stump line once more and a perfect length too. Vihari prods ahead to it and comfortably defends. |
| 97.1 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Length ball outside off, Pujara is ahead in defense. |
| 97.2 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Very full outside off, Che walks into this drive down the ground to mid off. |
| 97.3 : Pat Cummins to Pujara, Short of a length outside off, Pujara rocks back and cuts it through the cover-point region. Gets a single. |
| 97.4 : Pat Cummins to Vihari, Bouncer, well-aimed. Vihari keeps his hands nice and low as he ducks out of the way. |
| 97.5 : Pat Cummins to Vihari, Another bouncer, ducks under it again. |
| 97.6 : Pat Cummins to Vihari, Length ball outside off to end the over, a solid defense towards cover-point with the bat a bit away from the body. |
| 98.1 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Length ball outside off, slightly coming in. Pujara makes a good leave. |
| 98.2 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Short of a length aimed at the rib cage, fended down into the ground on the leg side by Che on his toes. |
| 98.3 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Length ball and drifting on to the hips, Pujara mistimes his flick towards the square leg fielder. No single available hence. |
| 98.4 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Really full this time and straight, Pujara flicks it away beautifully through mid-wicket and gets three runs till the ball comes back. Good shot! |
| 98.5 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, Outside off on a slightly shorter length, Vihari stands in his crease and punches this one. The ball goes to point. |
| 98.6 : J Hazlewood to Vihari, Pushes this one a little further ahead, Vihari is ahead as he places his drive through covers and gets to the other end. Also, keeps strike for the next over. |
| Nathan Lyon is the first bowling change of the morning. |
| 99.1 : N Lyon to Vihari, Flatter ball outside off, Vihari pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 99.2 : N Lyon to Vihari, Some air on this outside off, Vihari comes ahead and plays it along the ground towards short leg. |
| 99.3 : N Lyon to Vihari, Flatter one outside off, Hanuma gets forward and defends it to cover. |
| 99.4 : N Lyon to Vihari, Another front foot defense to this one outside off stump. |
| 99.5 : N Lyon to Vihari, HV stays back and defends this one with a little air outside off. |
| 99.6 : N Lyon to Vihari, Maiden over to start off for Lyon. Full and outside off, Vihari presses forward and dead-bats. Done with 100 overs, India continue to be on top! |
| Change at both ends. Mitchell Starc replaces Josh Hazlewood at this end. |
| 100.1 : M Starc to C Pujara, FOUR! Thank you says Pujara. Short and wide outside off, a loosener to start off with. Che just rocks back and lofts it over the head of point. All the way to the fence. Moves to 146. |
| 100.2 : M Starc to Pujara, Good batting this! The very next ball on length on top of off is played with soft hands towards point who is a bit deep on the circle. A quick single taken. |
| 100.3 : M Starc to Vihari, Outside off, left alone by Vihari. |
| 100.4 : M Starc to Vihari, Oohh! Almost played on there! Wide outside off, Vihari goes for a cut without much footwork. The ball gets the inside edge and luckily for him, goes back onto his pads. |
| 100.5 : M Starc to Vihari, Quick, at 144.1 kph outside off. Left alone this time by the batsman. |
| 100.6 : M Starc to Vihari, Length ball outside off, even quicker this time. 147.3 clicks. Well defended from within the crease though by HV. |
| 101.1 : N Lyon to Pujara, Lots of air outside off, Pujara comes down the track and hits it back towards the bowler. |
| 101.2 : N Lyon to Pujara, FOUR! Great use of the footwork as he drives this one against the spin towards cover. Good timing, the fielder chasing it almost stops it but unfortunately, the following hand pushes the ball into the ropes. That brings up the 150 for Pujara, his 7th 150-plus score in Tests. Also brings up the 100-run stand between these two. |
| 101.3 : N Lyon to Pujara, Flatter outside off, Che comes ahead and pads it away. |
| 101.4 : N Lyon to Pujara, Shorter one outside off, cut away in the gap for a single by CP. |
| 101.5 : N Lyon to Vihari, Defended off front foot by Vihari. |
| Hanuma Vihari has been given out caught at short leg. He takes the DRS and walks up to his partner gesturing that it came off his left arm. Looking quite confident. Even Lyon is seen gesturing the same. Let's see... |
| 101.6 : N Lyon to Vihari, OUT! The third umpire spots a spike as the ball goes past the bat. He asks the on-field umpire to remain with his decision and Vihari has to walk off. It was an airy ball just outside off and spinning in, Vihari went for the sweep. The ball bounces a bit more than normal, and catches Hanuma on the bicep and lobs to short leg who takes it easily. The Aussies appeal and umpire Gould raises his finger immediately. The batsman is surprised and signals the 'T' instinctively. |
| Rishabh Pant, the wicket-keeper batsman and also a part-time baby-sitter of Tim Paine's kids, is in next. Remember that pic? |
| 102.1 : M Starc to Pujara, Good length ball on off, it's defended off the front foot by Pujara. |
| 102.2 : M Starc to Pujara, Sliding down the leg side, Pujara closes the face and works it behind square leg for a run. |
| 102.3 : M Starc to Pant, Spears in a fullish ball on middle and leg, Pant whips it off his pads through backward square leg for a couple of runs. |
| 102.4 : M Starc to Pant, Gets behind the line of the delivery and bunts it towards mid off for a quick run. |
| 102.5 : M Starc to Pujara, Pujara has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 102.6 : M Starc to Pujara, A bit short in length around middle and leg, Pujara turns and works it fine down the leg side. He returns for the second run and Paine after collecting the throw from the deep hits the stumps. More in frustration it seems. |
| Drinks break. The first hour of the morning session has been a sedate one but India will be really happy with the way things have panned out. Although the debatable decision against Hanuma Vihari will be the talking point at the moment. Australia clearly looking clueless with their plans as the touring team is slowly but steadily heading towards their desired first innings total. |
| 103.1 : N Lyon to Pant, Around the wicket to Pant, flatter ball outside off. Pant mistimes his cut shot towards point. |
| 103.2 : N Lyon to Pant, Airy one on off stump, RP comes ahead and defends. |
| 103.3 : N Lyon to Pant, Another flighted one on middle and off, defended with soft hands. |
| 103.4 : N Lyon to Pant, Flighted outside off, left alone by the batsman. |
| 103.5 : N Lyon to Pant, Flatter ball on middle, patted away on to the leg side by Rishabh. |
| 103.6 : N Lyon to Pant, Short and flat outside off, pushed to cover off the back foot by Pant. |
| 104.1 : M Starc to Pujara, FOUR! Pujara making it look all too easy. Around the wicket to Che, too full outside off. The ball is driven through the covers and it runs away from the mid off fielder due to superlative timing. |
| 104.2 : M Starc to Pujara, Fuller outside off again, this time the drive goes straight to the cover fielder. |
| 104.3 : M Starc to Pujara, Another one outside off, looked as if stuck in the surface a bit and Pujara is into his drive a little early. The ball goes in the air wide of cover for a moment but it is safe. A single is taken. |
| 104.4 : M Starc to R Pant, FOUR! Left-handers do look good when they play shots like those! The ball was full and outside off stump, Pant leans onto his front foot and drives it beautifully wide of mid off and for a boundary. No stopping those, and he holds the pose as well. Excellent shot! |
| 104.5 : M Starc to Pant, Short of a length on top of off stump, Pant taps it on the off side while on his toes. Gets to the other end with a quick single. The fielder at point has a shy at the striker's end but Pujara was well inside. |
| 104.6 : M Starc to Pujara, Length ball outside off, Pujara pushes it on the front foot towards mid off to end the over. |
| Appeal for a caught behind, not given. Nathan Lyon is not convinced but his skipper is. Tim Paine take the DRS. Here we go again... |
| 105.1 : N Lyon to Pant, Not out! Nothing on the Ultra Edge or the Hot Spot! Lyon bowls it slower through the air and lands it outside off. There is some away spin there as Pant after getting forward tries to play through the line. Fails to middle his shot and Paine appeals after collecting the ball. Lyon is not too sure while Khawaja at first slip also backs his skipper. The DRS is taken but to no use. Australia's turn to lose a review now. Only one successful review out of 11 for the hosts in th |
| 105.2 : N Lyon to Pant, Flighted and outside off, left alone. |
| 105.3 : N Lyon to Pant, Tossed up and outside off again, Pant offers no shot. |
| 105.4 : N Lyon to Pant, Drags his length short and bowls it on off, Pant punches it down to long on for a run. |
| 105.5 : N Lyon to Pujara, Walks forward and helps it with the spin to the leg side. |
| 105.6 : N Lyon to Pujara, Pujara has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. End of an eventful over. |
| 106.1 : M Starc to Pant, Back of a length delivery on off, Pant gets back and punches it in the gap at extra cover for a run. |
| 106.2 : M Starc to Pujara, Full and on the pads, Che flicks but finds the square leg fielder. |
| 106.3 : M Starc to Pujara, Runs in from 'round the wicket and serves a full and wide ball outside off, Pujara reaches out for it and drives it square of the wicket on the off side for a run. |
| 106.4 : M Starc to Pant, FOUR! Good cricket all around! First up a great inswinging yorker, approaching the batsman on the full at 150.6 kph. Pant does well to keep his eyes on the ball and pushes it back with a straight bat. It finds the sweet spot and hurries down the ground for a boundary, beating the effort of the mid on fielder. |
| 106.5 : M Starc to Pant, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 106.6 : M Starc to Pant, Pant has played it towards mid-wicket. One run added to the total. |
| 107.1 : N Lyon to Pant, Flighted and full around off, Pant defends it off his front foot. |
| 107.2 : N Lyon to Pant, Flatter and shorter around off, turning away, Pant moves back and punches it down to long on for a run. |
| 107.3 : N Lyon to Pujara, Allows the ball to spin back in from around and then works it softly to square leg. Finds the fielder. |
| 107.4 : N Lyon to Pujara, Fuller and flatter on the pads, Pujara works it off his pads again, this time straight to the fielder in front of square leg. |
| 107.5 : N Lyon to Pujara, Loopy and full around off, Che draws forward in defense. |
| 107.6 : N Lyon to C Pujara, FOUR! Shot! He does play that stroke superbly. Only slightly short around by Lyon, Pujara picks it early. He immediately goes on the back foot, superb transfer of weight and then cuts it through cover-point for a boundary. |
| 108.1 : M Starc to Pant, Four leg byes! Starc looks for a full yorker length ball but gets it all wrong. It goes down the leg side, Pant fails to flick but still it clips his pads and speeds past the keeper to the fine leg fence. |
| 108.2 : M Starc to Pant, Sliding down the leg side, Pant flicks it through square leg for a run. An interesting spot from the on-air commentator. Pant's back leg moves back as his trigger movement rather than his front leg getting forward and that's the reason he becomes a prime contender for an lbw. Starc seems to have spotted that and hence working over it. |
| 108.3 : M Starc to Pujara, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 108.4 : M Starc to Pujara, Hurls it in the channel outside off, Pujara watches the line closely before making a leave. |
| 108.5 : M Starc to C Pujara, Angles in a length ball on off, Pujara hits it firmly back to the bowler who makes a good stop in his followthrough. |
| 108.6 : M Starc to Pujara, Once again a length ball has been angled into the batsman, Che is on the front foot as he pushes it off the inside half to mid on for a brisk run. |
| 109.1 : N Lyon to Pujara, Comes from 'round the wicket for the right-hander. Bowls it full and around off, Pujara gets forward and defends it on the leg side. |
| 109.2 : N Lyon to Pujara, Tossed up ball on middle, Pujara turns it off his pads but finds square leg. |
| 109.3 : N Lyon to Pujara, Gentle hands on this occasion. Pujara works it with the spin to square leg and pinches a single. |
| 109.4 : N Lyon to Pant, Short in length and outside off, Pant gets back and punches it to sweeper cover for one. |
| 109.5 : N Lyon to Pujara, Loopy and on off, Pujara hurries down the track and brings his bat and pad together in defense. Pushes it out to covers. |
| 109.6 : N Lyon to Pujara, Lets the ball spin back in from around off and then eases it through the gap between backward square leg and the fielder standing in front of square leg for a run. |
| Josh Hazlewood is back on. |
| 110.1 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, A length ball on off, Pujara defends it from the crease. |
| 110.2 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, A rare lapse in concentration for Pujara. Hazlewood bowls it short outside off and manages to lure the batsman into a square cut. But there is some extra bounce as it beats the outside edge of Pujara's bat. |
| 110.3 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 110.4 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Full and angling into the batsman from outside off, Che defends it off his front foot towards mid on. |
| 110.5 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Bouncer! The batsman ducks in time to let that one go over him. |
| 110.6 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Lands it full and around off, Pujara brings down a straight bat and keeps it out off the inner half of the bat to mid-wicket. |
| 111.1 : N Lyon to Pant, Tossed up ball on off, Pant gets back and strokes it with the spin through covers for a run. |
| 111.2 : N Lyon to Pujara, Poor line. Straying down the leg side, easy pickings for Pujara as he nudges it to fine leg for three runs. The stand now moves to 42 in no time. |
| 111.3 : N Lyon to Pant, Rishabh has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 111.4 : N Lyon to Pant, Flighted and outside off, Pant covers his stumps and allows it through. |
| 111.5 : N Lyon to Pant, Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 111.6 : N Lyon to Pant, Flatter on off, blocked safely from the crease to end another over. |
| 112.1 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Full in length and outside off, Pujara pushes it out to covers. |
| 112.2 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, A defensive shot off the back foot by Pujara. |
| 112.3 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Back of a length delivery in the channel outside off, Pujara has nothing to do with it. |
| 112.4 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Nearly deceives the batsman with a slower one. Fuller and outside off, Pujara is early into his shot but luckily for him his chip shot goes safely over covers for a couple of runs. The replays show that it was a knuckle delivery. |
| 112.5 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Good length ball on off, defended off the back foot by Che. |
| 112.6 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, A touch short around off, Pujara pushes his weight on the back leg as he punches it to covers. |
| 113.1 : N Lyon to Pant, Tossed up ball on middle and leg, Pant fails to keep it out and is hit on the pads. |
| 113.2 : N Lyon to Pant, Flighted delivery, landing full around leg, Pant gets down on one knee and sweeps it down to fine leg. They appeal as the batsmen cross a couple of times. Given as runs. Just a reminder, Australia have no reviews left. |
| 113.3 : N Lyon to Pant, Pant has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 113.4 : N Lyon to Pant, Goes on the back foot and strokes it down through mid off for a run. |
| 113.5 : N Lyon to Pujara, Loopy and on middle, Pujara clips it off his pads but finds the square leg fielder. |
| 113.6 : N Lyon to Pujara, Advances down the track and flicks it in front of square leg for a single. |
| Labuschagne comes on now to bowl some leg spin. |
| 114.1 : M Labuschagne to C Pujara, Short and wide outside off, cut away to deep point for a single. |
| 114.2 : M Labuschagne to Pant, Slightly shorter on off, Pant opens the face of the bat and pushes it to deep point for a couple. |
| 114.3 : M Labuschagne to Pant, Spinning after landing on middle and leg, going down leg. Left alone. |
| 114.4 : M Labuschagne to Pant, Going down leg and Pant lets the ball go once more. |
| 114.5 : M Labuschagne to Pant, On leg stump once more, Pant misses his flick as the ball goes off his trousers and into Paine's hand. Slight appeal but nothing much there. |
| 114.6 : M Labuschagne to Pant, Flatter and quicker on middle, Pant keeps it out towards mid-wicket. |
| 115.1 : N Lyon to Pujara, Flatter ball on middle, defended off the back foot by Pujara. |
| 115.2 : N Lyon to Pujara, Flatter one outside off, Che comes down the track and flicks the ball towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 115.3 : N Lyon to Pant, Airy ball on off stump, Pant comes ahead and dead-bats. |
| 115.4 : N Lyon to Pant, Flatter ball outside off, Rishabh pushes the ball to deep cover for a run. |
| 115.5 : N Lyon to Pujara, FOUR! Starting on off, and spinning down leg. Pujara gets a faint tickle to this ball and it runs away fine on the leg side for a boundary. The fielder at short fine leg seems too tired and does not put in a dive. |
| 115.6 : N Lyon to Pujara, Flatter ball on middle, Pujara trudges forward and defends this ball. |
| 116.1 : M Labuschagne to Pant, Flatter ball on the stumps, flicked away to deep square leg for a single. |
| 116.2 : M Labuschagne to Pujara, Quicker one fired in full outside off, Pujara drives through covers for another run. |
| 116.3 : Labuschagne to Pant, Starts just outside leg stump and turns a bit. Pant misses his flick and gets hit on the pad but it was outside the line and there is no worry about LBW. |
| 116.4 : M Labuschagne to Pant, Flatter ball on the pads, worked away towards square leg for another single. |
| 116.5 : M Labuschagne to Pujara, Slightly airy outside off, Che stands back and pushes this one back down the ground. |
| 116.6 : M Labuschagne to Pujara, Flatter ball on off stump. CP Calmly defends this one from within the crease back to the bowler. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 2! |
| 27 overs, 86 runs and 1 wicket. It has been all too easy for the Indians in the opening session of Day 2. Pujara has looked solid as ever and I can only recall a single false shot played by him, that too because of a clever knuckle-ball bowled late on in the session by Hazlewood. The runs have flowed, he has moved on from 130 to 181 and the Aussies look lost for ideas. The only wicket to fall was that of Vihari and that too for a debatable decision. The Snicko-RTS technology proved him to be out |
| Since the fall of Vihari's wicket, Rishabh Pant joined arms with the 'New Wall of Indian cricket' and has taken India to a place where they can dictate terms in this match. Ideally, they'd look to score some quick runs and play for maybe a session and a half more before looking to declare. For the Aussies, they will still have to keep their heads up and try to bowl out the Indians to find a way back in here. Easier said than done. There is no help off the pitch and though there is quite some tur |
| ... Day 2, Session 2 ... |
| Welcome back, the players and umpires are making their way back to the field. Nathan Lyon to start proceedings. Rishabh Pant on strike. |
| 117.1 : N Lyon to Pant, Looped up on off, Pant defends with soft hands. |
| 117.2 : N Lyon to Pant, Flatter ball drifting on leg stump, pushed out towards mid-wicket. |
| 117.3 : N Lyon to Pant, Flatter ball again, on middle, defended back down the ground on the front foot. |
| 117.4 : N Lyon to Pant, Outside off, once more in the flatter trajectory, pushed towards cover by the southpaw. |
| 117.5 : N Lyon to Pant, Quicker one fired in on leg stump, Pant keeps it out to mid-wicket. |
| 117.6 : N Lyon to Pant, Wide outside off, Rishabh cuts it away for a single to deep point. |
| Marnus Labuschagne to continue from the other end. |
| 118.1 : M Labuschagne to Pant, Flatter ball on the pads, Pant misses his flick and the ball goes off the thigh pads towards short leg. |
| 118.2 : M Labuschagne to Pant, Flighted a little outside off, Rishabh comes ahead to defend but misses the ball as it rears up and gets him on the pad. No appeal though. |
| 118.3 : M Labuschagne to Pant, Shorter one on the pads, worked away along the ground to square leg for a single. |
| 118.4 : M Labuschagne to Pujara, Flatter one on middle, turned away towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 118.5 : M Labuschagne to Pant, Slower through the air on middle, Pant pushes it to mid-wicket. |
| 118.6 : M Labuschagne to Pant, Flighted once more on middle, RP turns it away for a single to deep square leg and keeps strike. |
| 119.1 : N Lyon to Pant, Quicker and fired in at the pads, no fuss as Pant just pushes it to deep square leg for a single. |
| 119.2 : N Lyon to Pujara, Slightly short outside off, Che rocks back and pushes it through point for an easy single. |
| 119.3 : N Lyon to Pant, Airy on off and middle, Pant defends it coming forward. |
| 119.4 : N Lyon to Pant, Flatter outside off, Rishabh pushes ahead and drives this to cover. |
| 119.5 : N Lyon to Pant, Short this time, the batsman goes back and cuts it away to deep point for a single. |
| 119.6 : N Lyon to C Pujara, Slower through the air outside off, Pujara comes down the ground but hits his drive straight to mid off. |
| 120.1 : M Labuschagne to Pant, Fuller length one on the pads, pushed away to mid-wicket. |
| 120.2 : M Labuschagne to Pant, Flatter outside off, plays it to cover on the back foot. |
| 120.3 : M Labuschagne to Pant, Full toss, on leg stump. Pant calmly pushes it down the ground to long on for a single. |
| 120.4 : M Labuschagne to Pujara, Flatter ball on middle and leg, pushed back towards the bowler. |
| 120.5 : M Labuschagne to Pujara, Quick one outside off, Che drives the ball down the ground where the bowler moves to his left and makes a good save. |
| 120.6 : M Labuschagne to Pujara, Oooh! Would surely have been close there. The ball is patted away on the leg side and Pant wants a quick single. Lambuschagne goes after the ball quickly and hence, Pujara sends his partner back. Pant seems to be stranded as he turns back a little slowly. The throw from the bowler was off target else it would have been mighty close, possibly even curtains for the Indian keeper-batsman. |
| 121.1 : N Lyon to R Pant, Slower loopy full ball on middle, Pant gets forward and bunts it down to long on for a run. |
| 121.2 : N Lyon to Pujara, Tossed up ball outside off, a gentle off spinner, Pujara takes his front leg outside the line and pads it away. |
| 121.3 : N Lyon to Pujara, Flighted and wide outside off, Pujara gets across and defends it softly to the off side. |
| 121.4 : N Lyon to Pujara, Loopy one wide outside off, turning back in a bit, Che allows it through to the keeper. |
| 121.5 : N Lyon to Pujara, Goes on the back foot and blocks it safely. |
| 121.6 : N Lyon to Pujara, Flatter and fuller outside off, Pujara pads it away on the off side. |
| 122.1 : M Labuschagne to Pant, Slightly flighted outside off and turns in a bit. Pant pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 122.2 : M Labuschagne to Pant, Falls short of Hazlewood! For some reason, Pant has lost his patience. He goes for the lofted shot over mid on to this loopy one on middle. The ball isn't timed well and luckily for Pant and India, it does not carry to Josh in the deep at long on. Single taken. The Indian keeper would have had his heart in his mouth for some time there. |
| 122.3 : M Labuschagne to Pujara, Flatter one on middle and leg, Che works it towards mid-wicket and after some confusion, the batsmen take a single. It brings up the 400 for the visitors. In a very strong position now. |
| 122.4 : M Labuschagne to Pant, Flatter ball on the pads, flicked away to deep square leg for a run. |
| 122.5 : M Labuschagne to Pujara, Quicker on middle with a slightly shorter length. Pujara defends it back down. |
| 122.6 : M Labuschagne to Pujara, Looped up a little quicker on the pads, CP turns it away towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 123.1 : N Lyon to Pujara, Lets the ball to spin back in and eases it off his pads to square leg. |
| 123.2 : N Lyon to Pujara, Walks down the track to a full ball and flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a run. |
| 123.3 : N Lyon to Pant, Goes slower through the air and drops it on a fuller length around off, Pant leans forward in defense. |
| 123.4 : N Lyon to Pant, Fullish and on middle, Pant rotates his wrists and pushes it down through mid on for a run. |
| 123.5 : N Lyon to Pujara, Use of the feet again by Che. He walks forward and clips it in front of square leg for an easy run. |
| 123.6 : N Lyon to Pant, From over the wicket this time. Flatter and on off, punched from the crease to the right of the cover fielder. Dot ball to end the over. |
| 124.1 : M Labuschagne to Pujara, Hurled in on middle and off at 101 kph, Pujara pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 124.2 : M Labuschagne to Pujara, FOUR! Short and treated with disdain! Pujara rocks back and pulls this over mid-wicket for a boundary. Into the 190s now. |
| 124.3 : M Labuschagne to Pujara, Comes down the track this time and Che pushes it to the extra cover fielder. |
| 124.4 : M Labuschagne to Pujara, Flatter ball outside off, pushed to the cover-point fielder. |
| 124.5 : M Labuschagne to Pujara, Another quicker one outside off, Pujara opens the face of the bat towards backward point. |
| 124.6 : M Labuschagne to Pujara, Another one outside off, pushed away towards backward point. A slight misfield allows for a single. |
| 125.1 : N Lyon to Pujara, Well outside off and left alone by Pujara. |
| 125.2 : N Lyon to C Pujara, Dropped! Pujara has been dropped on 192. The ball was well outside off and on a shorter length. He has played the late cut before and got it wide of slip on occasions yesterday. This time though, he gets a thick edge and it goes very close to Khawaja at slip. Usman puts out his right hand in the air and gets to the ball but cannot hold on. Really went very quickly to him. Tough chance but it has come and gone. A very good effort though from Usman Khawaja to get a hand |
| 125.3 : N Lyon to Pujara, Comes down the track and flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single. Gets to the other end after that scare. |
| 125.4 : N Lyon to Pant, Fuller ball on middle, pushed down to long on with a straight bat for a single. |
| 125.5 : N Lyon to Pujara, Quicker one on the pads, pushed to the mid-wicket fielder on the front foot. |
| 125.6 : N Lyon to Pujara, Well outside off, similar to the dropped catch earlier this over. This time though, Che lets it go through. |
| Josh Hazlewood is back on. |
| 126.1 : J Hazlewood to Pant, Starts the spell by angling across a full ball outside off, Pant is on the front foot as he pushes it to mid off. |
| 126.2 : J Hazlewood to Pant, Good length this time, on off and angling away, Rishabh punches from the crease to point. |
| 126.3 : J Hazlewood to Pant, FOUR! Beautiful shot! A length delivery straighter in line, Pant flicks it with nice timing through mid-wicket and it just races away. Head gives the chase but the ball wins the race. |
| 126.4 : J Hazlewood to Pant, Short and around leg, it's pulled behind square leg for one. |
| 126.5 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Wide outside off, on a shorter side, Pujara drops his wrists and sways away from the line easily. |
| 126.6 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Drops it on a good length and gets it to shape in towards off, Pujara blocks it from the middle of the bat. |
| 127.1 : N Lyon to Pant, Flatter ball on off stump, Pant defends it towards cover. |
| 127.2 : N Lyon to Pant, Quicker one once more on middle, watchfully played back to Lyon. |
| 127.3 : N Lyon to Pant, Fuller outside off, pushed towards cover but there is no single available as the fielder moves quickly to the ball. |
| 127.4 : N Lyon to Pant, Flatter one hurled in at the pads, Rishabh works it to square leg. |
| 127.5 : N Lyon to Pant, Another quicker ball on middle, the southpaw defends it with a straight bat. |
| 127.6 : N Lyon to Pant, BEATEN! Turn and bounce! This would make the Indian spinners happy. The ball is short and outside off. Rears up off the length and bounces a lot more than Pant expects it to, beating him as he tries to cut. Paine appeals but then goes silent. Lyon has his hands on his head. |
| 128.1 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Bouncer towards the rib cage, Pujara gets on top of the ball and plays it down towards the leg side. |
| 128.2 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Outside off and coming in after landing. Well left after gauging the movement and length. |
| 128.3 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Short length ball on middle, Pujara just defends it back down onto the ground. |
| 128.4 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Seems like the ball got stuck in the wicket there. Hazlewood attempted the short ball and Pujara was early into his pull. He gets hit on the right shoulder when the ball comes through. |
| 128.5 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Another bouncer at 134.4 kph, this is pacy and Pujara ducks under it to let it go. |
| 128.6 : J Hazlewood to Pujara, Length ball on top of off stump, played back down the ground by Che presenting a straight bat. |
| 129.1 : N Lyon to Pant, Short and slow outside off, cut away for a single to deep point. |
| 129.2 : N Lyon to Pujara, Well outside off with some air, Che comes ahead and pads it away. |
| 129.3 : N Lyon to Pujara, Another flighted one outside off, Pujara comes down and pushes the ball to mid-wicket. |
| 129.4 : N Lyon to C Pujara, Full outside off, driven hard but straight to the cover fielder. |
| 129.5 : N Lyon to Pujara, Flatter one outside off, CP comes ahead and dead-bats this one. |
| 129.6 : Lyon to Pujara, OUT! No 200 for Pujara! A very soft dismissal to what has been a stellar knock. Lyon has his 3rd and he takes a simple catch of his own bowling to deny the Indian number 3 a double century. Pujara had not got runs off the last few overs and was looking a little scratchy post the dropped catch. This one was a flatter one on length and Che gave charge to it trying to get to the pitch of the ball and flick it away towards mid-wicket. He did not manage to get there and also fa |
| Ravindra Jadeja walks in next. |
| 130.1 : J Hazlewood to Pant, A length ball outside off, Pant gets forward and taps it down to the off side. |
| 130.2 : J Hazlewood to Pant, The line is straight and Pant turns it through square leg for a run. |
| 130.3 : J Hazlewood to Jadeja, Greets the new batsman with a bouncer, Jadeja ducks at the last second. |
| 130.4 : J Hazlewood to Jadeja, A touch short around off, Jadeja moves across and plays it down to mid-wicket for a run. |
| 130.5 : J Hazlewood to Pant, Outside off, an easy leave. |
| 130.6 : J Hazlewood to R Pant, FOUR! Easy-peasy! Short and down the leg side, Rishabh stands back inside the crease and helps his pull shot down to fine leg for a boundary. Moves to 49! |
| Some sightscreen issue. Jadeja does not seem too happy. The cloth covering the roller placed there has flown and is distracting the batsman. It is sorted out though and now we are ready to go. |
| 131.1 : N Lyon to Jadeja, Flatter ball outside off, pushed away to deep cover for a single. |
| 131.2 : N Lyon to Pant, Quicker ball on middle, defended back down the ground towards the bowler off the front foot. |
| 131.3 : N Lyon to Pant, Beats the diving short mid-wicket fielder to his right and gets a single to long on. That will bring up the FIFTY for Pant! His 3rd in Test cricket. Good innings this, curbing his natural instinct to go for the big shots and played around Pujara. Deserved this too. Well played. Coming to the ball, it's a length ball on middle, Pant stands tall and pushes it past the diving mid-wicket fielder. It travels to long on and the batsmen cross for a run. |
| 131.4 : N Lyon to Jadeja, Flatter one outside off, pushed to the cover region by Jadeja. |
| 131.5 : N Lyon to Jadeja, A front foot defense to this flatter ball on middle and leg. |
| 131.6 : N Lyon to Jadeja, Slightly airy on the stumps, Ravindra comes ahead and dead-bats it. |
| 132.1 : J Hazlewood to Pant, Fullish and outside off, Pant reaches out and drives it crisply to sweeper cover for a run. |
| 132.2 : J Hazlewood to Jadeja, Back of a length ball around off, Jadeja shuffles across and tucks it in front of square leg. Straightaway calls for two and completes it quite easily. |
| 132.3 : J Hazlewood to Jadeja, Wide down the leg side, Jadeja shoulders arms to it. |
| 132.4 : J Hazlewood to Jadeja, Bouncer on middle and leg, RJ ducks under the ball. |
| 132.5 : J Hazlewood to Jadeja, Wide outside off this time, left alone by the batsman. |
| 132.6 : J Hazlewood to Jadeja, Another short of a length delivery, Jadeja rides the bounce and pats it back down the ground. |
| Drinks break. The first hour of the second session has been done and the talking point will be the fact that Pujara has been undone by Lyon finally and he did not get his 200. Pant though did get to his half century and it has been easy going for the Indians. The hosts are sitting back and waiting for mistakes from the batsmen. It is up to the visitors' batsmen how they want to go now, whether to play the ball around or go for the big shots. Also, a question would be, how much will be enough? Le |
| 133.1 : N Lyon to Pant, Flatter and on off, punched off the back foot to covers for a run. |
| 133.2 : N Lyon to Jadeja, Looped up on off, Jadeja comes ahead and defends it onto the ground. |
| 133.3 : N Lyon to Jadeja, Flatter one outside off, Ravindra prods ahead once more to defend. |
| 133.4 : N Lyon to Jadeja, Quicker outside off, left alone by the batsman. |
| 133.5 : N Lyon to Jadeja, Flatter one on the pads, pushed away to deep mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 133.6 : N Lyon to Jadeja, Lots of air on this one, the southpaw comes ahead and pushes it back down the ground. |
| Pat Cummins has been called on for a bowl. |
| 134.1 : Pat Cummins to Pant, Edged but safe! Short length outside off and angling away from the left-hander, Pant goes for the cut off the back foot. Gets a thick edge that flies wide of backward point and down to third man for a single. |
| 134.2 : Pat Cummins to Jadeja, Length ball on the hips, worked towards the leg side while on the toes. No run though. |
| 134.3 : Pat Cummins to Jadeja, Bouncer on middle, Jadeja ducks. |
| 134.4 : Pat Cummins to Jadeja, Another effort ball and Ravindra ducks under the ball once again. |
| 134.5 : Pat Cummins to Jadeja, Yet again a shorter ball, Jadeja gets on top of the bounce and pushes it to cover. He comes out for a single but the cover fielder, Labuschagne is quick to the ball and has a shy at the striker's end. Jadeja would have been back in time though. |
| 134.6 : Pat Cummins to Jadeja, Bouncer to end the over, the southpaw just moves out of the way and lets it go. |
| 135.1 : N Lyon to Pant, Catch it is the shout. But it's safe. Pant advances down the track for a big shot but ends up miscuing it big time over extra cover. The fielder runs in the deep as the ball lands safely. They take a couple of runs. |
| 135.2 : N Lyon to Pant, Gets back and works it through square leg for a run. |
| 135.3 : N Lyon to Jadeja, Leans forward to a full ball and blocks it sensibly. |
| 135.4 : N Lyon to Jadeja, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 135.5 : N Lyon to R Jadeja, Quicker and around leg, Jadeja walks forward and eases it down to long on for a run. |
| 135.6 : N Lyon to Pant, Good running between the wickets! Loopy and full around off, Pant pushes it with gentle hands towards cover-point and pinches a run. |
| 136.1 : Pat Cummins to Pant, Stands back to a short ball and punches it to sweeper cover for a single. |
| 136.2 : Pat Cummins to Jadeja, The line is straight and it's angling down, Jadeja tries working it on the leg side but misses and is hit on the thigh pad. Paine puts in an appeal from behind the wickets, seeing that Pat also turns to appeal but the umpire is not interested. |
| 136.3 : Pat Cummins to Jadeja, Good length ball on middle and off, Ravindra defends it off his back foot to the off side. |
| 136.4 : Pat Cummins to Jadeja, Bouncer this time, RJ not in mood to listen to any chin music and hence ducks underneath it. |
| Short leg comes in now along with a leg gully. So, Jadeja will be expecting some short stuff now. |
| 136.5 : Pat Cummins to Jadeja, Here comes the bouncer. Around leg and Jadeja takes the challenge to play the pull shot. Connects well to send it to deep backward square leg for a run. |
| 136.6 : Pat Cummins to Pant, Another half-tracker is pulled through square leg for one. Both the batsmen are at ease. |
| 137.1 : N Lyon to Pant, Flighted and full on middle, Pant is on the front foot as he defends it back. |
| 137.2 : N Lyon to Pant, Short and outside off, Pant goes back and plays it down to point. Paine is quite vocal behind the stumps, trying to lift his players. |
| 137.3 : N Lyon to Pant, FOUR! Pant continues to chance his arms. Advances down the track and tries to play the inside-out shot over covers. But maybe the connection ain't proper and it flies over wide mid off for a boundary. |
| 137.4 : N Lyon to Pant, The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single. |
| 137.5 : N Lyon to Jadeja, Flatter and fuller on the pads, Jadeja gets forward and flicks it past the left side of the square leg umpire for a run. |
| 137.6 : N Lyon to Pant, Shorter around off, skidding back in, Pant hangs back and keeps it out at the last moment at cover-point for a run. |
| 138.1 : Pat Cummins to Pant, Speeds in from 'round the wicket and angles in a length ball on off, Pant defends it off his front foot. |
| 138.2 : Pat Cummins to R Pant, Short and outside off, cut off the back foot to deep cover-point for one. |
| 138.3 : Pat Cummins to Jadeja, FOUR! What a shot! Cummins digs in a short delivery as per the plan, it's in line of the stumps, Jadeja picks it early, hops back to create room and whacks it over point. 450 comes up! |
| 138.4 : Pat Cummins to Jadeja, Bouncer around leg, Jadeja bails out at the last moment as he initially was looking to play the horizontal-bat shot. |
| 138.5 : Pat Cummins to Jadeja, Bowls length this time, around leg, Jadeja tries flicking but misses. |
| 138.6 : Pat Cummins to Jadeja, Goes fuller than the last ball and it's down the leg side, Jadeja once again fails to flick and is hit on the pads. Overambitious appealing from Australia. Nothing doing. Pitching outside leg and going down too. |
| Marnus Labuschagne is into the attack with nothing happening for Australia. |
| 139.1 : M Labuschagne to Pant, Tossed up ball around leg, played down to short leg. |
| 139.2 : M Labuschagne to Pant, Walks down the track but fails to connect with his flick shot. Is hit on the pads in the process. |
| 139.3 : M Labuschagne to Pant, Down the leg side, Pant tries pulling but fails to connect. |
| 139.4 : M Labuschagne to Pant, Around off, helped off the front foot to short leg. |
| 139.5 : M Labuschagne to Pant, FOUR! Wow, what a shot! Loopy and full around middle and leg, Rishabh gets down on one knee and reverse sweeps it with authority through point for a boundary. |
| 139.6 : M Labuschagne to Pant, Taps it down on the off side for a quick single. All too easy. |
| 140.1 : Pat Cummins to Pant, Pitches it up and outside off, Pant drives it down the ground but straight in the direction of mid off. |
| 140.2 : Cummins to R Pant, A mistimed shot! Width on offer outside off, Pant throws his bat at it and in the process loses his shape. Fails to middle his shot properly and it flies over point. The sweeper cover fielder runs across to his right to make a sliding stop and they take a couple. |
| 140.3 : Pat Cummins to Pant, Good shot this time. Fuller and outside off, Pant forces it through covers for a brace again. |
| 140.4 : Pat Cummins to Pant, On a length and outside off, left alone that time by Pant. |
| 140.5 : Pat Cummins to R Pant, Quick single. Lands it on a length around off, cutting back in, Pant goes hard at it and gets it away off the inside half to mid on. Rushes across to the other end as the fielder misses his shy at the bowler's end. |
| 140.6 : Pat Cummins to Jadeja, SIX! Jadeja sends it packing over cow corner! 50-run stand comes up! Cummins delivers it on a length around off, Ravindra senses the opportunity to free his arms and dismisses it into the stand. |
| 141.1 : M Labuschagne to Pant, Quicker and flatter down the leg side, Pant fails to flick it. |
| 141.2 : M Labuschagne to Pant, Full and outside off, reverse swept down towards third man for a run. |
| 141.3 : M Labuschagne to Jadeja, Darts in around middle and leg, Jadeja tries to flick from the crease but misses. |
| 141.4 : M Labuschagne to Jadeja, Leans forward to a full ball and flicks it to short leg. |
| 141.5 : M Labuschagne to Jadeja, Goes on the back foot and punches it to mid-wicket. |
| 141.6 : M Labuschagne to Jadeja, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| Mitchell Starc runs in... |
| 142.1 : M Starc to Pant, Fuller length delivery on middle and leg, Pant flicks but finds the mid-wicket fielder. |
| 142.2 : M Starc to Pant, Swing and a miss! Starc delivers it on the shorter side outside off, staying low a bit, Pant tries to pull but it goes under his bat. |
| 142.3 : M Starc to Pant, Angling in on a length around off, Pant blocks it to the off side. |
| 142.4 : M Starc to Pant, FOUR! Lovely shot! Moves to 81... A length ball outside off, Pant gets forward and unfurls a delightful square drive for a glorious boundary. |
| 142.5 : M Starc to Pant, Four leg byes! Runs continue to come for India. This time Starc serves a good length ball around leg, angling down, Pant fails to flick and it goes off his pads to fine leg for a boundary. |
| 142.6 : M Starc to Pant, A back foot punch this time, through the gap at covers for three runs. 11 from the over, India are 19 short of 500. |
| 143.1 : M Labuschagne to Pant, Shortish and around off, Pant packs a punch from the back foot and Shaun Marsh at extra cover makes a fine diving stop. |
| 143.2 : M Labuschagne to Pant, Loopy and turning in from off to leg, Pant clips it behind square leg for a run. |
| 143.3 : M Labuschagne to Jadeja, Strides forward to a full ball and defends it back to the bowler. |
| 143.4 : M Labuschagne to Jadeja, Gets forward and knocks it down with the spin to long on for a couple of runs. |
| 143.5 : M Labuschagne to Jadeja, Shortish and on off, turning in, Jadeja punches it back to the bowler. |
| 143.6 : M Labuschagne to Jadeja, Too full this time, on off, Jadeja eases it down to long on for a run. |
| 144.1 : M Starc to Jadeja, Back of a length ball on off, angling in, Jadeja gets back and plays it down to mid-wicket. |
| 144.2 : M Starc to Jadeja, Wayward! Waste of energy. Starc digs in a bouncer way down the leg side. A comfortable leave for Jadeja and Paine has to stretch to collect the ball to his right. |
| 144.3 : M Starc to Jadeja, Good length on off, Jadeja inside edges his attempted back foot punch and the ball rolls behind square leg for one. |
| 144.4 : M Starc to Pant, Stifled appeal for an lbw! Full and drifting down the leg side, Pant wants to flick but his bat comes down late. He is struck on the pads, they appeal but it's missing leg. |
| 144.5 : M Starc to Pant, A terrific yorker outside off, Pant is beaten by pace as he fails to dig it out. |
| 144.6 : M Starc to Pant, Angled on the pads, it's tickled away to deep square leg for a single. |
| Last over before Tea will be bowled by Travis Head... |
| 145.1 : T Head to R Pant, Short and outside off, cut through to deep point for a single. |
| 145.2 : T Head to Jadeja, Flatter and shorter on off, punched to sweeper cover for a run. |
| 145.3 : T Head to Pant, Lunges to a full ball and dead-bats it back to the bowler. |
| 145.4 : T Head to Pant, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 145.5 : T Head to Pant, Stands back to a short ball and slaps it to deep cover for one. |
| 145.6 : T Head to Jadeja, Quicker and fuller on off, forced down the ground to long on for a single. That will be Tea on Day 2. |
| Another grinding session for Australia. With very little to no help from the surface, their bowlers failed miserably as India continued their march towards a big first innings total. Cheteshwar Pujara was unlucky not to get to his 4th double century as he was hunted down by Nathan Lyon. But as has been the norm in this innings, fall of a wicket has not hampered the touring team's momentum much. Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja are now amidst a 73-run stand and it appears that Virat Kohli might d |
| ... Day 2, Session 3 ... |
| The umpires and the players make their way back to the middle. How many overs more will they bat? Jadeja to face the first ball from Nathan Lyon who is bowling his 50th. |
| 146.1 : N Lyon to Jadeja, Shorter one to start off, Jadeja backs off and pushes it back down to long on for a single. |
| 146.2 : N Lyon to Pant, Flatter one outside off, Pant wants to drop it towards point and run through but is sent back. |
| 146.3 : N Lyon to Pant, On the pads this time, flicked away towards square leg and Pant moves on to 89 with a single. |
| 146.4 : N Lyon to Jadeja, Airy outside off, Jadeja comes ahead and defends this one. |
| 146.5 : N Lyon to Jadeja, Short this time and Ravindra cuts the ball hard towards deep point for a single. |
| 146.6 : N Lyon to Pant, Hurled in on off stump, defended from within the crease by Pant. |
| Marnus Labuschagne to bowl from the other end. |
| 147.1 : M Labuschagne to Jadeja, A juicy full toss outside off, but hit straight to cover-point. Jadeja must not have expected that gift to come his way. |
| 147.2 : M Labuschagne to Jadeja, Flatter ball on middle, pushed towards mid-wicket. |
| 147.3 : M Labuschagne to Jadeja, Another quicker one on middle and leg, Jaddu pushes it towards deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs. |
| 147.4 : M Labuschagne to R Jadeja, Flighted outside off, driven to mid off for a single by RJ. |
| 147.5 : M Labuschagne to Pant, Another loopy one outside off, driven down the ground for a single by Pant. Moves into the 90s. |
| 147.6 : M Labuschagne to Jadeja, Flatter one outside off, Jadeja cuts but it goes straight to the point fielder who makes a tumbling stop. |
| 148.1 : N Lyon to Pant, Lots of air given there, Pant comes dancing down the ground and wants to smash it over long on but the ball gets the inside half off the bat and onto his pads. Not the time to lose your head when you are so close to a landmark. |
| 148.2 : N Lyon to R Pant, Much better! The ball is shorter this time and Pant rocks back to place it behind backward point. Three runs taken, good running that! |
| 148.3 : N Lyon to Jadeja, Flatter one on middle and leg, Jadeja jams it away on the leg side for a quick single. |
| 148.4 : N Lyon to Pant, Short and outside off, cut away to deep point for a single. |
| 148.5 : Lyon to Jadeja, Miscommunication! Luckily the throw isn't a direct hit and Pant gets in with a dive. The ball was a flatter one on middle and Jadeja pushed it towards the leg side and Pant wants a single. He is sent back by his partner and has to make it back in time with a dive. |
| Rishabh Pant dives to make his ground in time as he is sent back by Jadeja but it looks like he has hurt his hand in the process. The physio is on the field to have a look. Should be okay to continue. |
| 148.6 : N Lyon to Jadeja, Flatter one, kept out off the front foot. |
| 149.1 : M Labuschagne to Pant, In the air... Catchhhhh is the shout!!! Pant wants to do a Sehwag probably, reach his hundred with big blow. But after coming down the track, he miscues his big shot badly. The ball goes in the air and just clears mid off for a couple of runs. |
| 149.2 : M Labuschagne to Pant, FOUR! Hundred for Pant! His 2nd in Test cricket. Also becomes the first Indian wicket-keeper to score a hundred in Australia. Short and on middle, Pant pulls this away and the fielder in the deep seems to have missed it as he fails to move. Maybe a lapse of concentration. It doesn't matter though as Pant gets to his landmark. Got his previous one in England, this is in Australia. Well done. Time for him to go blast now! |
| 149.3 : M Labuschagne to Pant, Flighted outside off, defended into the ground. |
| 149.4 : M Labuschagne to Pant, Straight bat presented in defensed to this flatter one. |
| 149.5 : M Labuschagne to Pant, Hurled at the pads, flicked away to the square leg fielder. |
| 149.6 : M Labuschagne to Pant, This is a flatter ball on the pads once more, this time he gets the flick in the gap for a single. |
| Usman Khawaja to have a go now... |
| 150.1 : U Khawaja to R Pant, How on earth did he miss out on this one? A friendly full toss on middle, Pant swings his bat a bit early and it goes off the inner half to deepish mid on for a run. |
| 150.2 : U Khawaja to R Jadeja, Too full and on middle, Jadeja drives it down to long off for a single. |
| 150.3 : U Khawaja to R Pant, Loopy and on off, it's stroke from the front foot to long off for another run. |
| 150.4 : U Khawaja to Jadeja, Flighted and outside off, left alone. |
| 150.5 : U Khawaja to Jadeja, Another mistimed shot as Jadeja tries to go big. Fails to middle and it rolls to mid-wicket. |
| 150.6 : U Khawaja to Jadeja, Uses his feet and forces it back to the bowler who deflects it towards short mid-wicket. They cross and steal a single safely. |
| Nathan Lyon comes back on. |
| 151.1 : N Lyon to Jadeja, Flatter one on middle, Jadeja comes ahead and pushes the ball back to the bowler. |
| 151.2 : N Lyon to Jadeja, Quicker one on the pads, Ravindra comes ahead and pushes it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 151.3 : N Lyon to Pant, In the air... but safe. The flighted ball is bowled outside off and Pant comes down the ground, wanting to hit it for a maximum. Does not connect well and the ball goes on a bounce to long off. |
| 151.4 : N Lyon to Jadeja, Flatter ball on middle and Jadeja whips it away to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 151.5 : N Lyon to Pant, Short and wide outside off, Pant opens the face of the bat towards backward point. |
| 151.6 : N Lyon to Pant, Defended watchfully back to the bowler. |
| Marnus Labuschagne comes from the other end now. |
| 152.1 : M Labuschagne to Jadeja, Shorter ball outside off, cut away in the gap towards deep point for a couple of runs. The 100-run stand comes up between these two. |
| 152.2 : M Labuschagne to Jadeja, Flicked away wristily to deep square leg for a single. |
| 152.3 : M Labuschagne to Pant, Short and Pant makes room to cut this ball away in the gap towards point. Takes a couple. |
| 152.4 : M Labuschagne to Pant, FOUR! Flighted ball on middle and Rishabh Pant sweeps this away in front of square leg and all the way to the fence. The fielder in the deep has no chance. |
| 152.5 : M Labuschagne to Pant, Fuller one on middle and leg, driven to long on for a single. |
| 152.6 : M Labuschagne to Jadeja, Fires this in on the pads, Jadeja works it away for a single to deep square leg. 11 off the over, the Australian shoulders are dropping. |
| 153.1 : N Lyon to Jadeja, Short and slow on off, Jadeja cuts it away to deep cover for a single. |
| 153.2 : N Lyon to Pant, Flighted outside off, Pant comes ahead and defends the ball onto the ground. |
| 153.3 : N Lyon to Pant, FOUR! Flighted on middle and Pant just dictates terms here. Goes down on his knee and sweeps this one beautifully in the gap for a boundary to deep backward square leg. |
| 153.4 : N Lyon to Pant, Flatter one on middle, worked towards square leg for a single. |
| 153.5 : N Lyon to Jadeja, Slower one on a length outside off, cut away on the off side. Head at point makes a slight misfield and the ball escapes his grasp as the batsmen steal a single. |
| 153.6 : N Lyon to Pant, Very easy for Pant here, just turns it on the leg side for a run and keeps the strike. 8 off this over. Runs flowing! |
| Travis Head to bowl now. |
| 154.1 : T Head to Pant, Flatter ball on middle, defended towards short mid-wicket. |
| 154.2 : T Head to Pant, Flatter ball on the pads, worked away in the gap towards mid-wicket by Pant for a single. |
| 154.3 : T Head to Jadeja, Fuller one outside off, Jadeja comes ahead and dead-bats this one. |
| 154.4 : T Head to Jadeja, Another defense with a straight bat by Ravindra. |
| 154.5 : T Head to Jadeja, Quicker one on the pads, Jadeja works it away on the leg side for a single. |
| 154.6 : T Head to R Pant, Flighted one on middle, Pant drives this along the ground to long on for a single. |
| 155.1 : N Lyon to Pant, Tossed up ball on middle, Pant gets back and helps it behind square leg for a run. |
| 155.2 : N Lyon to Jadeja, Flatter and fuller on the pads, Jadeja flicks but finds the rushing forward square leg fielder. |
| 155.3 : N Lyon to Jadeja, Leans forward to a full ball and taps it down in front of square leg. |
| 155.4 : N Lyon to Jadeja, Flighted and full on middle, RJ draws forward and flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 155.5 : N Lyon to Jadeja, Drops this one short and wide outside off, Jadeja rocks back and slaps it to sweeper cover for a run. |
| 155.6 : N Lyon to Pant, Presses forward to a full ball and pushes it in the direction of mid on. Lyon quickly moves across to his left to stop the ball. |
| 156.1 : T Head to Jadeja, Flatter one on middle and leg, Jadeja rocks back and punches it long on for a single. |
| 156.2 : T Head to Pant, Flighted on middle, Pant goes for a big one but mistimes it and it lands just short of a wide long on. Catch it was the call but no chance there. |
| 156.3 : T Head to Jadeja, Another push down the ground from Jadeja to long on for a single. |
| 156.4 : T Head to Pant, Flighted again to Pant, he comes down the ground but can't get under that one. Hits it on a bounce to long on. Single taken. |
| 156.5 : T Head to Jadeja, Short of a length outside off, Jadeja gets to the other end with a punch down the ground. |
| 156.6 : T Head to Pant, Outside off, Pant angles it towards the third man region but does not get a single. |
| 157.1 : N Lyon to Jadeja, Flatter one on middle, Jadeja pushes it towards mid-wicket. |
| 157.2 : N Lyon to Jadeja, Kept out on the off side from the crease. |
| 157.3 : N Lyon to Jadeja, Flatter one on middle, Jadeja defends it with a straight bat from within the crease. |
| 157.4 : N Lyon to Jadeja, Shorter one on middle, the batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 157.5 : N Lyon to Jadeja, Shorter length, Jadeja stands tall and punches it down the ground for a single. |
| 157.6 : N Lyon to Pant, Slow through the air, Pant misses the pull and gets hit on the thigh pad. Lyon raises his hand in appeal, looks really tired here. |
| 158.1 : T Head to Jadeja, Short of a length on middle, pushed back down to long on for a single off the back foot. |
| 158.2 : T Head to Pant, FOUR! All kinds of mockery. Pant goes for the reverse hit and gets into position early. He lifts it fine on the off side beating backward point who has to go get the ball from the fence. The 550 comes up with the boundary. |
| 158.3 : T Head to Pant, Flighted ball on middle, Pant comes down the track and hits it hard to long on for a single. |
| 158.4 : T Head to Jadeja, Full toss and Jadeja misses out on this ball as he times it straight towards the mid-wicket fielder. |
| 158.5 : T Head to Jadeja, Flatter one on middle, pushed back off the back foot towards long on for another run. Moves to one shy of fifty. |
| 158.6 : T Head to Pant, Gets to the pitch of the ball and flicks it away to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 159.1 : N Lyon to Pant, Full and floated on off, Pant tries to play straight but it takes the inside edge and rolls to mid-wicket. |
| 159.2 : N Lyon to Pant, Fires this one, following the batsman down the leg side, Pant steps back and force it towards the cover fielder. |
| 159.3 : N Lyon to Pant, Short and wide outside off, Pant camps back and slaps it through point for a run. |
| 159.4 : N Lyon to Jadeja, Flatter ball on middle, pushed down the ground and JADEJA GETS TO HIS 10th TEST FIFTY! Well played but in all honesty, it was served on a platter to him. The sword celebration comes out. |
| 159.5 : N Lyon to Pant, SIX! Smashed! Flighted one on off, Pant dances down the track and lifts it over the head of long on for a maximum. Lyon has a puzzled look on his face. The Aussies seem like they have had enough but the visitors are relentless. |
| 159.6 : N Lyon to Pant, Flatter ball on middle, defended from within the crease. |
| The third new ball is available and has immediately been taken and handed over to Josh Hazlewood. |
| 160.1 : J Hazlewood to Jadeja, Full delivery on the pads, Jadeja misses his flick and gets hit on the pads. The ball runs down to fine leg for a leg bye. |
| 160.2 : J Hazlewood to Pant, How is that not out? Hazlewood was pleading for an LBW. Good length ball on middle and shaping back in, Pant gets beaten and rapped on the pads. The umpire says not out and Hazlewood cannot believe it. But the reviews are exhausted too. The only thing that could have saved the batsman there is the height. And replays show that the ball would have been clipping the top of middle. Not a wrong decision one would have to say but looked really close to the naked eye. |
| 160.3 : J Hazlewood to Pant, Woah! That ball has carried beautifully through to Paine behind. Pant lets a length ball go outside off. |
| 160.4 : J Hazlewood to Pant, Wayward! Wide down the leg side and Pant lets it go through. |
| 160.5 : J Hazlewood to Pant, FOUR! Classy shot! Full and outside off, driven beautifully through the covers by Pant all the way to fence. Timing and placement were magnificent. 150-run stand comes up between these two. |
| 160.6 : J Hazlewood to Pant, Defended watchfully on the front foot to end the over. |
| Mitchell Starc to operate from the other end. |
| 161.1 : M Starc to Jadeja, Wayward from Starc first up, the ball is hurled well down leg. Paine cannot collect it cleanly and the ball runs fine on the leg side for a couple of byes. |
| 161.2 : M Starc to Jadeja, Short of a length outside off, cut away in the gap through covers for a couple. |
| 161.3 : M Starc to R Jadeja, Excellent ball! Good length delivery, seaming away late. Jadeja who was on the back foot looking to play with a straight bat gets a thick outside edge towards gully. Khawaja misfields there and the batsmen pick up two runs. |
| 161.4 : M Starc to Jadeja, FOUR! Shot! Full and Jadeja smashes it right back down the ground to the left of mid off for four runs. |
| 161.5 : M Starc to Jadeja, Short of a length ball on the hips, turned away to the leg side for a single. |
| 161.6 : M Starc to Pant, Yorker! Well dug out by Pant. |
| 162.1 : J Hazlewood to Jadeja, Short of a length delivery on middle and Jadeja rises with the bounce to keep it down on the off side. Quick single taken. |
| 162.2 : J Hazlewood to Pant, Length ball outside off, played with soft hands to the off side and the batsmen steal a single. Tired fielders all around. |
| 162.3 : J Hazlewood to Jadeja, Wayward outside off stump, left alone by the batsman. |
| 162.4 : J Hazlewood to Jadeja, FOUR! Hazlewood isn't impressed! Short of a length ball at the hips, Jadeja swivels and pulls it away fine on the leg side. Deep square leg comes around but Harris cannot stop it as he misfields it and allows it to go for a boundary. Hazlewood is not impressed. |
| 162.5 : J Hazlewood to Jadeja, Fuller length ball outside off, driven to mid off. |
| 162.6 : J Hazlewood to Jadeja, Short and quick! Jadeja is in a very awkward position as he tries to fend this away. The ball lobs off the glove but falls in no man's land. Single taken. Nothing going the hosts' way here. |
| Pat Cummins comes on to bowl now. |
| 163.1 : Pat Cummins to Jadeja, FOUR! At the hips, whipped away by Jadeja to the vacant deep square leg fence. All too easy here. |
| 163.2 : Pat Cummins to Jadeja, At the thigh pad once more, flicked away to the square leg fielder. |
| 163.3 : Pat Cummins to Jadeja, Slower ball this time and Jadeja is too early into his pull. The ball misses his willow and hits him on the thigh pad. |
| 163.4 : Pat Cummins to Jadeja, FOUR! Pulled away nonchalantly. Short of a length and Ravindra Jadeja pulls it away hard and behind square on the leg side for a boundary. No stopping those. Went like a rocket. |
| 163.5 : Cummins to Jadeja, FOUR! Third boundary of this over. Stand and deliver stuff this. Fuller length ball and the southpaw smashes it right back over the head of the bowler for a boundary to the long on fence. 12 off this over so far. |
| 163.6 : Pat Cummins to R Jadeja, FOUR! Make it 16! Slapped away in front of square this time. Short length ball at pace but Jadeja is seeing the ball like a hawk now. He rocks back and lifts it over the head of mid-wicket for a boundary. 4 fours in this over. 600 comes up for India! |
| 164.1 : J Hazlewood to Pant, Length ball outside off, guided towards third man by Pant. |
| 164.2 : J Hazlewood to Jadeja, Short and wide outside off, Jadeja cuts hard but straight to the point fielder. |
| 164.3 : J Hazlewood to Jadeja, Length ball and Jadeja wants to clear his front leg and smash it but the ball is bowled wide outside off. Ravindra can only just reach the ball as it goes off the under part of the bat to slip. |
| 164.4 : J Hazlewood to Jadeja, Bouncer on the middle stump, pushed away to deep mid-wicket by Jadeja. The batsmen want two but then decide against it. |
| 164.5 : J Hazlewood to Pant, Beaten! Good ball! Length ball outside off and angling away, Pant tries to cut but misses the ball. |
| 164.6 : J Hazlewood to R Pant, Short ball on the leg side, Pant turns it away to fine leg for a single. Keeps strike. |
| Drinks break. This has just been carnage from the Indians. They are driving home the point that they are here to dictate terms over the hapless Aussie bowlers. The hosts are just going through the motions and would be dreading facing a few overs at the fag end of the day after two long days in the field. That is, if India decide to declare. There is no real reason why they must though, as they lead the series 2-1 now. Last hour of play on Day 2 coming up! Nathan Lyon to bowl now. |
| 165.1 : N Lyon to Pant, Flighted outside off, Pant comes down the ground to smash it over long on but gets an inside edge that runs past the leg stump and fine on the leg side. Gets a couple. |
| 165.2 : N Lyon to Pant, Flighted outside off again, pushed to deep cover for a single. |
| 165.3 : N Lyon to Jadeja, Flatter ball on middle, defended towards mid-wicket by Jadeja. |
| 165.4 : N Lyon to Jadeja, Flatter one on off and middle, punched off the back foot. |
| 165.5 : N Lyon to Jadeja, Fuller ball on off and middle, Jaddu comes ahead and defends. |
| 165.6 : N Lyon to Jadeja, Another front foot defense to end the over. |
| 166.1 : J Hazlewood to Pant, FOUR! Fuller length ball outside off, Pant lifts it over cover and the ball runs away for a boundary. 149 now! Highest score for an Indian keeper in away Tests. |
| 166.2 : J Hazlewood to Pant, Down the leg side and Pant doesn't connect bat on ball. |
| 166.3 : J Hazlewood to Pant, FOUR! 150 for Rishabh Pant! It comes up in style as he smashes the short of a length ball in front of square leg for a boundary. Removes his helmet and celebrates in style. |
| 166.4 : J Hazlewood to Pant, This is atrocious now! Pant attempts the reverse hit off a bowler of Hazlewood's pace. Misses the ball though and the crowd gets into it. |
| 166.5 : J Hazlewood to Pant, FOUR! What an incredible shot. Was in no position to play this one and has managed to hit it away for a boundary. Full toss way down leg side and Pant lifts it away in front of square on the leg side for a boundary. Incredible shot! Also brings up the 200-run stand between these two. |
| 166.6 : J Hazlewood to Pant, Short of a length outside off, Pant cuts it away for a single to deep point and keeps strike. |
| 167.1 : N Lyon to Pant, Single taken down to the third man region off this flatter one outside off. Pant gets to the other end. |
| 167.2 : N Lyon to Jadeja, OUT! Bowled 'em! The 204-run stand has finally been broken. And with that, INDIA HAVE DECLARED ON 622/7. A flatter one aimed at the off stump, Jadeja dances down the wicket and misses his lofted shot over long on. The off stump is disturbed and Jadeja has to go for a well played 81. Virat Kohli says the total is enough and calls his players back. The crowd is happy and so are the tired Aussie players. |
| A gigantic total posted on the board by India! What an effort by their batting unit. Cheteshwar Pujara led the charge on Day 1 and formed crucial partnerships. This morning, he continued and forged substantial stands with Vihari and Pant as he got to 193. Was unlucky to miss out on a double century but he had done his job. If the Aussies thought that once Pujara departed the Indians would relent they couldn't have been more wrong. Ravindra Jadeja joined Rishabh Pant in the middle and forged a 20 |
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