India vs Australia, First Test: Review, Day 2

India vs Australia, First Test: Review, Day 2




The runs flowed and the rain poured on day 2 of the first Test match between India and Australia at the Adelaide oval. The Indian bowlers conceded runs in a manner fit for one day cricket (more than 5 runs per over) and the Australians made merry with centuries from the bats of Smith(162*) and Clarke(128). Steven Smith remaining unbeaten at the close of play of both the days (day 1 and day 2).

The heavens opened up in the 104th over of the day. Post the interruption the batsmen opened up too and punished the lackluster Indian bowling. The Australian scorecard had three centurions. There were three in the Indian bowling card in the form of Varun Aaron,Shami Ahmed and Karn Sharma, each conceding with economy rates which they would find it difficult to forget it a hurry.

Michael Clarke looked in no discomfort whatsoever as he ran twos and threes with ease. The Indian fielders were quite comfortable too where as many as three catches went down. Virat Kohli at slips took more time to react to a catch than Geoffrey Boycott’s grandmother.




Michael Clarke finally fell to a lucky dismissal off Karn Sharma’s bowling. A catch which went straight to Pujara positioned at square leg. Perhaps the only silver lining to the dark,gloomy and overcast Indian fortunes. Declaration looked imminent as only a little over 10 overs were left in the day’s play. That was not to be as Mitchell Johnson came out with his pads  rather than the brand new ball ready to be brandished to the Indian openers.

The day’s play was finally called off due to bad light much to the respite of the hapless Indians. Not even half the stipulated overs for the day were bowled but it looked like the ‘leather hunt’ lasted for a week if one would cast a glance at the Indian team led off the field by their even hapless captain.

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By Ashirbad Hazarika

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