Australia’s 177 runs proved to be not very competitive in the face of India’s dominant performance in the Test match. Rohit Sharma, who was playing his fourth match as Test captain, marked his presence in the side with a commanding century, his first as a Test captain and his first in all three formats as both a batter and a leader. The lower order also benefitted from Sharma’s efforts.
Todd Murphy, playing in just his eighth first-class match, impressed with five wickets on his debut, but India’s lead continued to grow. Rohit’s century was supplemented by Ravindra Jadeja’s half-century, adding to his success as a bowler, and a second Test fifty from Axar Patel.
The first session of the second day saw Sharma add 29 runs to his score, and 33 in the second session, before finally being dismissed by a superb delivery from Pat Cummins with the second new ball. However, India’s lead had already been established and grew to commanding proportions as Jadeja and Axar added an unbroken 81 runs for the eighth wicket.
Australia will face a tough challenge to post a target large enough to defend, but they can at least celebrate the impressive debut of Todd Murphy, who showed why he is highly rated despite his professional inexperience. Murphy claimed KL Rahul late on the first day, and went on to trap R Ashwin lbw with the aid of DRS and dismiss Cheteshwar Pujara with a top edge.
Despite a glimmer of hope after Murphy’s wickets and Virat Kohli’s dismissal, Australia’s position was summed up by a dropped catch by Steven Smith at slip in the final over. It will take a strong effort from the Australian team to overcome India’s commanding lead.
Also may read – India vs AUS: India Dominates Australia,Day 1 Highlights
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