The second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, in Delhi, is tantalizingly poised at the end of Day 2 with Australia leading by 61/1 with a lead of 62 in their second innings after India scored 262 in their first innings in reply to Australia’s 263.
During India’s innings, Ravindra Jadeja and Steve Smith had a hilarious moment in which they hugged it out, giving the crowd something more to cheer on.
Steve Smith giving Jadeja a thumbs up in the Nagpur Test was already quite a talking point, with former Australia skipper Allan Border lashing out at Smith following Australia’s loss in the first Test.
The incident between the duo – a hug after both collided in the middle – might frustrate Border even more.
On the last ball of the 40th over during India’s innings, Jadeja played a cover drive and set off for a quick run. However, non-striker batsman Virat Kohli denied him a single and Jadeja had to rush back.
As Jadeja got back in the crease, even as he applied brakes, his momentum took him into Steve Smith who was standing behind wicket-keeper Alex Carey as the backup.
Ravindra Jadeja thrust into Smith, but quickly turned it into a hug and a light-hearted moment. Both Jadeja and Smith laughed it off and shared a fist bump.
Hilarious moment between Ravindra Jadeja and Steve Smith: Watch the video
https://twitter.com/cricketfanvideo/status/1626848083249348608?s=20
Australia have their noses ahead of India
Given India will be batting last on this pitch, on which most of their batters had struggled on Day 2, it can be said that Australia have their noses slightly ahead in this game with a lead of 62 runs and with 9 wickets in hand. Travis Head, opening in place of the concussed David Warner, was terrific in his attack against the Indian bowlers and scored 39*(40) and has Marnus Labuschagne 16*(19) to partner.
Earlier in the day, Nathan Lyon ripped through the Indian top-order with a five-wicket haul. When at 139/7, it felt India will concede a big lead in the first innings. However, Axar Patel (74) and R Ashwin (37) batted superbly to bring India close to Australia’s total with a partnership of 114 (177).
