India were off to a forgettable start as both their openers Murali Vijay and KL Rahul were back in the pavilion with just eight runs on the board. Vijay was bowled by Josh Hazlewood for a 12-ball duck while Rahul followed him for just two runs from 17 balls. He too was bowled, by Mitchell Starc. After that, Cheteshwar Pujara (26), captain Virat Kohli (82 not out) and vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane (51 not out) ensured that the visitors were in the game
Perth: For the second day in a row, India overcame a disappointing start to take the fight to Australia in the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
On the first day, the Indian bowlers had a poor start after the hosts won the toss and elected to bat on a green top. The bowlers failed to bowl in right areas but bounced back to take six wickets.
Similarly, on Saturday, India were off to a forgettable start as both their openers Murali Vijay and KL Rahul were back in the pavilion with just eight runs on the board.
Also read: Day 2 report from Perth
Vijay was bowled by Josh Hazlewood for a 12-ball duck while Rahul followed him for just two runs from 17 balls. He too was bowled, by Mitchell Starc.
After that, Cheteshwar Pujara (26), captain Virat Kohli (82 not out) and vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane (51 not out) ensured that the visitors were in the game. India ended the day at 172/3 in 69 overs, still trailing by 154.
Also read: India vs Australia series schedule
Here is a recap of Day 2 and what India need to do on Day 3.
Ishant Sharma took 4/41 as India bowled out Australia for 326 in 108.3 overs. Ishant took two off two as he sent back Starc and Hazlewood to signal the end of the innings. Australia had started the day at 277/6.
With just eight runs, Vijay and Rahul were back in the hutch. And it was left for the middle order to repair the early damage. The trio of Pujara, Kohli and Rahane fought hard to defy the Australian attack. Pujara and Kohli had a half century partnership and later Kohli-Rahane remained undefeated.
The captain and his deputy combined forces to stitch an unbroken 90-run partnership for the fourth wicket on Saturday. Rahane came out and started to play shots. It was an aggressive right-hander on view at the Perth's new stadium. At the other end, Kohli, as usual, was producing another masterclass.
There were times when Kohli had to bat out an impressive bowling spell by Pat Cummins. The contest between Kohli and Cummins was riveting. And, the Indian skipper came out on top.
Be it in any condition, any country, Kohli has delivered. And it was no different on the second day as he is now just 18 short of another top-class hundred.
Off-spinner Nathan Lyon was kept wicketless by the Indian batsmen despite bowling well. He was unsuccessful in his 22 overs.
Kohli and Rahane still have a lot of work to do. The duo needs to carry on batting on Sunday. With the second new ball due in 11 overs, it is important that the pair stays at the crease for long and not to expose the lower order to the new cherry.
The way Kohli has batted so far, he should bring up his 25th Test century on Sunday.
The third day of the Test could be a decisive one. All eyes will be on the pitch. Will it help batsmen or bowlers?
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