IND vs AUS: It turned out to be yet another thrilling day for the fans of the game as we witnessed 16 wickets fall for just 204 runs on Day 2 of the 3rd Test match. Stumps were declared on Day 2 at the Holkar Stadium following Nathan Lyon’s dismissal of Mohammed Siraj, bringing to an end a whirlwind Day 2.
Australia started Day 2 with a lot of hope and confidence as Cameron Green and Peter Handscomb were at the middle of the pitch. They didn’t score many runs in the first session, however, and their strategy was somewhat conservative. They were in an excellent position to extend their lead considerably beyond that, but their defensive strategy ultimately cost them as they lost their final six wickets for just 11 runs and could only do so with a lead of 88 runs.
India Made A Brilliant Comeback
For India, Umesh Yadav and Ravichandran Ashwin picked three wickets each as the hosts bounced back to bowl out Australia for 197. Ravindra Jadeja, who had picked all four Australian wickets that fell on the opening day, missed his five-for.
Afterwards, the spin three of Matthew Kuhnemann, Lyon, and Murphy bowled exceptionally well, generally holding the Indian hitters in check while also taking wickets at regular intervals. Cheteshwar Pujara turned out to be the lone warrior for India, but towards the end of the Day, Steve Smith took a blinder of a catch to get rid of him which led to a collapse and India was bowled out for 163 runs.
Pujara was the highest run-scorer for India as he scored 59 runs off 142 balls, smashing 5 fours and 1 six.
Australia will begin their chase of the modest 76-run target tomorrow and will back themselves to get those runs in a little over a session even if the ball is turning a country mile on this pitch.
