IND vs AUS: Lead Of 145 Runs By India On Day 2

IND vs AUS: India remained ahead by 145 runs at stumps on the second day of the ongoing fifth and final Test match between India and Australia in Sydney. This very last day of cricket saw a pathetic collapse of Indians in the second innings, even though their erstwhile lead gathered from the first innings has sent them into quite a commanding situation, with a full three playing days still open. India could manage to accumulate 141/6 wickets at Day 2′ close, still with Ravindra Jadeja (8*) and Washington Sundar (6*) at hand.

India’s Second Innings Wobbly Defense In IND vs AUS

 

After India gained a narrow lead of 4 runs in the first innings, their second batting effort was under heavy pressure. India’s innings quickly fell apart, and Australia could take six wickets for 141 runs. Though their innings collapsed, India has stretched their lead over Australia to 145 runs, from which they will look to build in the coming days.

The day belonged to Rishabh Pant, who batted aggressively to turn the tide for India in a fragile innings. Pant played a fiery knock of 61 runs off just 33 balls, including 4 fours and 4 sixes. This explosive innings not only rescued India from further trouble but also saw Pant become the second Indian cricketer to score the fastest fifty in Test cricket.

Explosive Knock from Pant Amid the Fall in IND vs AUS

 

Rishabh Pant, known for his risk-taking approach, played a match-winner type of innings on Day 2. Unlike his innings in Melbourne where he had been dismissed for reckless shots, this time Pant was calculated in his attack. This time, while receiving several blows to the body, including blows to arms, helmet, and stomach, Pant remained composed. He hit a straight six off Beau Webster to show his intent, but also absorbed a lot of physical punishment, a testament to his resilience in a tense scenario.

Pant’s innings of 61 runs was a much-needed spark in India’s fragile second innings, allowing them to take their total to 141/6. His knock was particularly valuable as it provided India with the momentum they needed to further extend their lead.

Boland and Cummins Shine for Australia Bowling

 

Bowlers of Australia especially Scott Boland were the stars of the show. Boland was instrumental in the Indian batting line-up breakthrough as his accurate and relentless bowling saw him take 4 wickets for 42 runs, making it the most successful bowling show by any Australian. He was also able to get the key players out. Pat Cummins and Beau Webster each took a wicket, with Cummins getting India’s out-of-form batsman Virat Kohli.

Despite the pressure from the Indian batsmen, Australia’s bowlers maintained their discipline and managed to keep India’s scoring rate in check. At the end of Day 2, Australia would look to complete India’s innings quickly and try to restrict their lead.

Kohli’s Struggles Continue; Rohit Out of the Match From IND vs AUS Test

 

India’s decision to leave Rohit Sharma out of the match, likely for future planning, was a notable one. However, the other controversy surrounded Virat Kohli, who has been losing form of late. Kohli, after some terrible goals run of 17.57 average in his last 20 Test innings-was under pressure and was lucky to survive the first ball of his innings but couldn’t make use of it. In the post-lunch session, Scott Boland finally made the breakthrough, dismissing Kohli with a delivery that found the outside edge and was caught in the slip.

Kohli’s poor form with the bat continues to be a concern for India, as he has now played three Tests in a row without contributing significantly. With just one innings left in the series to prove himself, the pressure will be on Kohli to deliver and justify his place in the Test team moving forward.

Bumrah Sends Khawaja Packing

 

In the morning session, Jasprit Bumrah made a crucial breakthrough by dismissing Usman Khawaja. The Australian opener, who has been struggling for form, was sent back to the pavilion for a mere 2 runs, caught behind off a well-executed Bumrah delivery. This wicket was an important moment for India as it helped gain early momentum. It was an incident that made a young Australian opener, Sam Constas, score at 7 runs at the end of Day 1, as he could even hit a boundary off Bumrah’s first ball. This incident further included some heated words between Bumrah and Constas as the match was getting more dramatic already.

Looking Ahead: India’s Advantage With Three Days Left In IND vs AUS 5th Test

 

With the lead at 145 runs and 4 wickets still in hand, India holds a pretty strong advantage heading into the last three days. While Australia would want to close down India’s tail as early as possible to cut down on the lead, India’s bowling line-up can be hopeful to defend this total if they manage to add some more runs to the board.

The likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar would look to steady the innings of India, whereas the eyes would be on the ability to extend their lead, hopefully to 200+ runs, which would allow their bowlers to defend with something in the third innings.

The match is well poised, and with each team experiencing spells of dominance, the last three days assure an exciting end to a contest that so far has been a cracker of a match.

Day 2 IND vs AUS Summary Highlights:
– India’s second innings: 141/6 after 32 overs, leading by 145 runs
– Top scorers: Rishabh Pant: 61 off 33 balls
– Best bowlers:Scott Boland 4/42, Pat Cummins 1/32, Beau Webster 1/30
– Key moments: Pant’s explosive innings, Kohli’s continued struggles, and Bumrah’s early breakthrough

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