Indian skipper Virat Kohli is a happy man after making huge strides in gaining advantage to win the first test against Australia. The visitors dominated Australian batters on Day 2 and managed to get a sizable lead.
However, the team were forced to bat 8 overs towards the end of the day. New pink ball under the lights was making life difficult for Indian openers. Meanwhile, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins were lethal with pink kookabura ball. Prithvi Shaw fell early and Virat Kohli asked Jasprit Bumrah to go into bat as a night watchman.
Bumrah came into bat to ensure that Pujara need not bat in the tough conditions. He played his role brilliantly as Aussie pacers could not find a single delivery to damage his morale.
On the other hand, Mayank Agarwal was also facing difficulties against Cummins and Starc. Bumrah was so good that he faced all deliveries with ease and kept India in a strong position.
Mayank could have faced some balls in the final over of the day. But he denied a single when Bumrah hit the ball to short square leg. It was funny because normally it is batsmen who deny runs while batting with tailenders.
Bumrah happily obliged and played the rest of the over with ease. During Bumrah’s innings, Virat Kohli and Pujara was seen having fun watching him bat. Ravindra Jadeja was also present near the dugout as they were visibly happy with Bumrah.
Meanwhile, Bumrah was in full flow during the practise match ahead of first test. He scored his first fifty in first class cricket during this game. That gave him plenty of confidence while batting today.
India are in a strong position after amassing good lead in the first innings. With the likes of Pujara, Kohli and Rahane to come, it is India’s match to lose from here on. Earlier in the day, India packed up quickly in the morning session after managing to add just 11 more runs to their overnight score.
Australia scored 191 as Indian bowlers brought the team back into the contest in a dominating manner. Ashwin, Bumrah and Umesh shined with the ball. Marnus Labuschagne and Tim Paine were the pick of the batsmen. On the other hand, Ashwin managed a five wicket haul.
Australia will look to bounce back with the ball but it will tough against in form Indian batters. Another exciting day’s play is in store on Saturday and the match could be decided by the end of the day
