New Delhi ∙ India made a strong comeback in the second cricket test against Australia thanks to the excellence of Ravichandran Ashwin who bowled Marnes Labuschagne and Steve Smith in three balls. In the first session, which the Aussies thought they would win thanks to opener Usman Khawaja’s half-century, Ashwin made India’s favor with a double reverse in one over. When the game was stopped for lunch on the first day, the Aussies were 94 runs for the loss of three wickets in 25 overs. Khawaja (50), who completed his half-century, and Travis Head (1), who returned to the team, are at the crease.
Opener David Warner (15), Marnes Labuchane (18) and Steve Smith (0) were out in the Aussie line-up. Ravichandran Ashwin took two wickets and Mohammad Shami took one wicket for India. Khawaja and Warner completed a half-century partnership for the Aussies in the opening wicket.
At one stage, standing strong with 91 for one, the Aussies were brought down by Ashwin’s double whammy. Ashwin, who scored 18 runs with four fours in 25 balls, trapped Labusche in front of the wicket and returned Steve Smith (0) after a gap of one ball. After a dull start, opener David Warner, who scored 15 off 44 balls, was dismissed by Mohammed Shami.
Khawaja was trapped at lb by Ravindra Jadeja in the next over, soon after Ashwin’s double, but DRS came to the Aussie’s rescue. Khawaja, who faced 74 balls so far, scored 50 runs with eight fours and a six. Travis Head scored a run off just six balls.
∙ Toss and batting for Aussies
Earlier, Australia won the toss and elected to bat. India went into the second Test in Delhi with one change in the team that played in the Nagpur Test. Shreyas Iyer replaced Suryakumar Yadav in the team. There are two changes in the Aussie line-up. Matt Renshaw was replaced by Travis Head, while Matthew Kuneman made his Test debut. Meanwhile, Mitchell Starc is not playing in this Test either.
With the innings win in the first Test, they took a 1-0 lead in the series, but the pressure is more on the Indian camp. India need to win 2 more matches in this series to book their place in the World Test Championship final.
English Summary: India vs Australia, 2nd Test, Day 1 – Live Cricket Score