That completes another fascinating day's play in this superb series. Neither side wilting. Test evenly poised I would say. Agree?
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) March 26, 2017
#TeamIndia finish Day 2 on 248/6, trail Australia (300) by 52 runs #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/4wMxKby95r
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 26, 2017
END OF DAY'S PLAY: Indians had a rather slow start to their innings and then with Vijay departing early, the home team recieved a set-back. But it was Pujara and Rahul who streered it through the Indian innings with immense patience and concentration. Shortly after his fifty, Rahul was sent back to the pavilion and similar happened to Pujara. But game was still in India's favour until the post-tea session where India lost 4 wickets quickly to Nathan Lyon. Question now is what will be India's lead tomorrow?
Over 91 | Score 248/6 | Jadeja 16* ; Saha 10*
Last over of the day- Hazlewood ends it. Three of the over and that's the end
Over 90 | Score 245/6 | Jadeja 16* ; Saha 9*
This session so far- 28 overs, 90 runs, 4 wickets. Good comeback by the Aussies. Penultimate over of the day is underway. Cummins with the ball. Varying his length.
Over 88 | Score 243/6 | Jadeja 15* ; Saha 9*
Jadeja smashes yet another SIX. Short in bounce, but powers it over long-on to strike the big one. The Saurastrian is on fire. It brings up 100 est runs for Jadeja. Pace attack returns with Pat Cummins into the attack. He is with the new ball and thus there are now two new cracks. Ohhh... narrow escape for Saha. Outside edge and the slip fails to grab it.
Over 86 | Score 235/6 | Jadeja 8* ; Saha 8*
Six more overs to go and India still need 76 runs more to take the lead with four wickets in hand. A long waiting boundary finally comes up with a superb six from Jadeja. And now Saha does a elegant cover drive to hit a four.
Over 83 | Score 221/6 | Jadeja 0* ; Saha 2*
Aussies delay in taking the new ball. Lyon spins in to give away just a single. Spin attack continues with Keefe. Gives away a single. Lyon gets his fourth victim for the day. Ashwin departs on LBW. Sword man walks in.
Over 80 | Score 219/5 | Ashwin 28* ; Saha 2*
Two overs to get hold of the new ball. Ohh..Lyon takes another wicket. This time it is the skipper to depart just four runs short of his half-century. Outside edge and off to Smith. Sad for Rahane who was battling it out for the home side. Saha walks in. Lot of hope on the bangal boy. Aussies use their second review to strike off Saha early, but fails.
Over 78 | Score 215/4 | Ashwin 26* ; Rahane 46*
The last and final hour of the day is underway. India now just 96 runs away, with six batsmen still remaining. These two batsmen are on the way for a strong partnership- 48 off 78 balls. Aussies need to get another quickly.
Over 75 | Score 202/4 | Ashwin 18* ; Rahane 41*
Lyon grabs a maiden. India is building on momentum. Keefe smashed for tow back-to-back fours by Ashwin and then Lyon gets a similar treatment from the skipper. Drinks break. Much neede break for the Aussies.
Over 72 | Score 186/4 | Ashwin 10* ; Rahane 33*
Lyon comes in to give away just one run. Ashwin looking far too comfortable, even with adding minimal run to the scoreboard. Pulls a boundary down long leg
are playing straight into the hands of the Aussies plan.
— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) March 26, 2017
Over 70 | Score 179/4 | Ashwin 3* ; Rahane 33*
A sudden loss of two wickets in the post-tea session has obviously put pressure on the two on-field batsman. And this is what the Aussies can bank on to get two more probably, before they wind up for the day. The duo has to stick to crease long and hope either of them doesn't fall off.
Over 66 | Score 172/4 | Ashwin 0* ; Rahane 29*
Things are slowly turning its way in favour of the Aussies. Nathan Lyon comes in to take another, this time its Karun Nair. Short ball, hits his glove, then pad and rolls up for a comfortable catch for the person at short-leg. But Wade runs in to take it. Ashwin walks in. Putting Saha on reserve probably. Cummins places it wide of the crease, outside edge, and goes way above slips for a four. Lucky for the skipper. Rahane somehow tackling Cummins.
KK Nair c Wade b Lyon 5 (16b)
Over 64 | Score 166/3 | Nair 5* ; Rahane 23*
Lyon with the ball. Round the wicket to Rahane. Gets a single. Now over the wicket to Nair. Cummins gets a maiden .
Over 62 | Score 164/3 | Nair 4* ; Rahane 22*
Ohh thats a brilliant start to the innings for the Aussies. Lyon strikes of Pujara with a catch at short-leg. Brilliant from the spinner. Gets the big man. Huge occasion to celebrate for the visisting fans. Cummins. Rahane gets three with a drive down cover. Nair gets lucky. Outside edge and between the slips for a boundary.
TEA: India continue with their dominance with Rahul notching up his yet another Test fifty, fifth in the series. Then Cummins gets rid of him with his short delivery which Rahul tries to pull it off, but fails to get it. Then Rahane and Pujara together begin their meditation at crease. Pujara cracks his fifty too and all fall in favour of the home side.
Over 60 | Score 153/2 | Pujara 53* ; Rahane 19*
India still marching on to the Aussie total of 300 at a slower pace. It would probably be great if Indians go just two down to tea. This would ofcourse put huge pressure on the Aussies. They need to get two more, but then it is time for tea.
Over 56 | Score 149/2 | Pujara 50* ; Rahane 18*
Lyon spins in. Steps out, drives it past mid-on for a four and it brings up his 15th Test fifty. The saint has done it again.
Keefe is the next bowler. Rahane smashes a boundary this time. Sweeps to get it.
Over 54 | Score 141/2 | Pujara 46* ; Rahane 13*
Lyon with the ball. Huge appeal to start of with. Aussies wont go for a DRS. The height of the ball, saved the skipper. Amost forgot that the teams do have that option. None of them haven't opted it for a long time. Keefe into the attack. Rahane saved. Inside edge, but slip to far to take it. Maiden over.
Over 52 | Score 140/2 | Pujara 46* ; Rahane 13*
Lyon into the attack. Bowlers little tired and probably bored at no action from the men with bat. Run rate is just about three, 2.90 to be precise. Keefe, maiden.
Over 50 | Score 139/2 | Pujara 45* ; Rahane 13*
Indians are taking things really slow. Both meditating at crease. Still 161 to go.
Over 46 | Score 133/2 | Pujara 40* ; Rahane 13*
Cummins in. Places it right before his toe and Pujara flicks it through mid-wicket. Over all, good over with those five dot balls. Keefe gives away two runs. India trailing by 168 runs.
Over 44 | Score 126/2 | Pujara 35* ; Rahane 12*
Cummins seemed to be attacking the skipper with those bouncers. Obviously, it did get him of the pitch at the Ranchi Test. Three off the over.
Keefe into the attack. Just two off it.
Over 42 | Score 122/2 | Pujara 33* ; Rahane 10*
Cummins is here. Short delivery, goes for a pull shot, but goes the other way and Warner takes it comfortably at third man. Skipper Rahane walks in. Another deadly short ball, pulls it above mid-wicket for a boundary. Rahane playing with fire. And yet again attacked with another bouncer, similar shot, top edge and way above keeper for a six. Good, but damn dangerous. Cummins has a smile on his face.
Keefe into the attack. Pujara drives down mid-wicket for a boundary. Drinks break
Over 40 | Score 108/1 | Pujara 29* ; Rahul 59*
Of the backfoot and Rahul cuts it through point for a boundary. Aussies need to stop the building momentum of their opposition right now. Cummins places it to the leg side and Pujara pushes it down leg side for a boundary. 4-BYE. Runs seem to be seeping in. Keefe gives away a run.
Over 38 | Score 98/1 | Pujara 29* ; Rahul 54*
Cummins comes back. Ohh...misfield at slip and they get a single. Half volley to short cover. Lyon just in place to stop it. Two of the over.
Keefe comes in. One of the over.
Over 36 | Score 95/1 | Pujara 27* ; Rahul 52*
Hazlewood in. Full length ball, Pujara clips it to mid-wicket to grab three runs.
Keefe in. Gully brought in too. Gives away two.
K L Rahul's sparkling batting has been one of the highlights of the series. Fine blend of defence and aggression, hugely consistent. Top act
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) March 26, 2017
Over 34 | Score 89/1 | Pujara 23* ; Rahul 51*
Hazlewood in. Done with his patience of leaving the outside of delivery. Cuts it fine this time over the gully for a boundary. Extravagant shot by Rahul. This time a short delivery, pulls it to long leg for a single.
Keefe into the attack, Rahul on strike. Awesome! Impressive from the opener. Drives down the wicket to mid-wicket for a boundary. Fifth in this series.
Over 32 | Score 80/1 | Pujara 23* ; Rahul 42*
Hazlewood comes in strong to grab a maiden. Aussies seem to be missing the third pace bowler. Could have gone for Bird may be.
Keefe comes in. That was another escape. Misses the edge and between the legs of the keeper for a boundary.Bye four. Rahul on fire, sweeps the very next ball for a towering six. 50 run partnership comes up for the duo.
Best time to bat in the series is right now. Ball is 30 overs old, wicket looks flat, not to much spin. needs to make the most of it.
— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) March 26, 2017
Over 30 | Score 69/1 | Pujara 23* ; Rahul 35*
O'Keefe is the bowler. Rahul got some finger treatment after that last bball of Hazlweood's over, Struck him hard and got a cut. One of the over.
Over 29 | Score 68/1 | Pujara 22* ; Rahul 35*
Post lunch session is underway as Hazlewood starts of with the attack. Rahul at strike. Patiently waited for the correctly placed ball and Rahul drives it of to the boundary.
POST-LUNCH : Will the intense concentration displayed by Rahul and Pujara bore fruit or will the Aussies pull off what the Indians had done to them in the second session last day?
Fabulous session of cricket. India have withstood pace and denied wickets. With only four bowlers, batting should become easier
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 26, 2017
Day 2 Lunch! #TeamIndia are 64/1(Rahul 31*, Pujara 22*), trail Australia (300) by 236 runs #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/GkQ73JCFDk
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 26, 2017
Gripping session: Early wicket, slip catch muffed, then Rahul & Pujara steady things. But enough juice in pitch to keep Aus pacemen eager...
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) March 26, 2017
LUNCH: Indians were supposed to get of a good start, at least that is what was expected after their impressive display with the ball. But their hopes wer cut short after Vijay falling early to Hazlewood swing. Pujara walked in and together, along with Rahul they patientl build on Indian momentum. However, we are too far to place any judgement as to who has edge over whom. Session 2 is where the real action is expected to lie.
Over 28 | Score 64/1 | Pujara 22* ; Rahul 31*
Keefe starts of . Pujara, another cover drive to the left-arm spinner. Gets a boundary.
Last over before lunch. Goes to Lyon. Round the wicket to Rahul. One of the over and they depart for lunch.
Hazlewood is the biggest threat on this surface...the longer he takes to get a five-for, the better it is for India. #KeepHimAtBay
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) March 26, 2017
Over 26 | Score 59/1 | Pujara 18* ; Rahul 30*
Cummins going for his tenth. Pujara takes two with a shot to long leg. 11 minutes to lunch now. A deadly, deadly ball to finish of the over. Almost similar to the way he had got Rahul out at Ranchi. Three of the over.
Lyon into the attack. One of the over.
Over 24 | Score 55/1 | Pujara 14* ; Rahul 30*
Cummins going for his ninth over this morning. Gets a maiden.
Lyon in. Pujara gets a single with a stroke wide of slip. Lyon goes round the wicket to Rahul. Three of the over
Over 22 | Score 52/1 | Pujara 12* ; Rahul 29*
Cummins swings outside to be left alone. OHH that was at 147kmph. Well defended by Rahul. Rahul, absolutely calm, on front foot drives down the wicket for a four.
Lyon attacks in. It has been alsmost 110 overs now, but no review has been used. Strange. Maiden for Lyon.
Over 20 | Score 48/1 | Pujara 12* ; Rahul 25*
Rib high ball and Pujara somehow drifts it towards square leg. Another similar delivery and Rahul sends it to the boundary past the leg slip. Five of the over.
Lyon is the next bowler. Gives away two runs
Over 18 | Score 41/1 | Pujara 9* ; Rahul 21*
Rahul, sweeps to the leg side. Man at deep square leg too far to stop it. In style , smashes the spin off Lyon. Another edged away shot, to take two. Excellently carved by Rahul. Expensive over- seven off it
My favourite young batsman, Lokesh Rahul, being tested by high quality fast bowling from Hazlewood and, more dramatically, from Pat Cummins
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 26, 2017
Over 17 | Score 34/1 | Pujara 8* ; Rahul 15*
Lyon returns with his spin. Rahul goes for a cover drive but fielded well. Both gets a single each, Two off the over.
Cummins replaces Hazlewood. Pujara takes a single towards cover.
Over 15 | Score 31/1 | Pujara 6* ; Rahul 14*
That was an exciting first hour of day 2. India cautiously taking off, but Vijay falls to Hazlweood swing and departs early. The medium-pacer continues. Maiden.
Over 14 | Score 31/1 | Pujara 6* ; Rahul 14*
Hazlewood back in. Just one run of the last ball, with a flick towards log leg.
Cummins comes in next. Deadly bouncer and beautifully left alone by Rahul. Came out of nowhere. Drinks break
Over 12 | Score 29/1 | Pujara 4* ; Rahul 14*
Cummins returns. Beautiful escape by Rahul. Paced delivery, outside edge and whistles past the slip's hand and goes for a four. Disappointment by Renshaw. Looked similar to the way Warner had escaped in the first ball of the innings. Bouncer to end the over. India still 271 runs behind.
Hazlewood's late swing -in & away- had had Vijay on edge. Early wckt for Aus. India need big partnership. Only 5 specialist batsmen remember
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) March 26, 2017
Over 11 | Score 25/1 | Pujara 4* ; Rahul 10*
Hazlewood- outside off, short delivery. Vijay leaves it alone. Another similar ball, outside edge and off to Wade. Early wicket for the Aussies. Ofcourse a delight for the home team. And Pujara steps in. Man in form- gets a loose ball and an impressive cover drive boundary to get of the mark.
M Vijay c Wade b Hazlewood 11 (36b)
Over 10 | Score 21/0 | Vijay 11* ; Rahul 10*
Lyon starts with a danger. Inside edge into the pads. Maiden.
Over 9 | Score 21/0 | Vijay 11* ; Rahul 10*
Hazlewood starts. Another leave outside off stump. Good length though. Cover drive...well placed by Vijay. That is ofcourse his favourite shot. Just Saved again, Vijay! Outside off, edges and bounces before the keeper's hand. Saha had taken a similar catch though, in the series, but this was a little short to travel far.
Over 8 | Score 17/0 | Vijay 7* ; Rahul 10*
Hazlewood with the ball. Trying to hit the crack just outside off. And then few outside off deliveries and Vijay leaves it comfortably for Wade.
Spinner introduced- Nathan Lyon. And Rahul answers with a timely cover drive. Round the wicket to Vijay. Six of the over.
Over 6 | Score 11/0 | Vijay 6* ; Rahul 5*
Here is Cummins. Finally a risky single to break the ice. Just two off the over.
Over 5 | Score 9/0 | Vijay 5* ; Rahul 4*
Beauty with the ball. Hazlewood hits the crack and the delivery seams away like a leg-cutter. The cracks will open up now, as the game goes on. Another maiden. Good start by the Aussies.
Over 4 | Score 9/0 | Vijay 5* ; Rahul 4*
Pat Cummins back in. Tighter deliveries from the new entrant. That was a good short delivery, rib high. Finally a bouncer to end the over. Maide. Terrific from the pacer.
Over 3 | Score 9/0 | Vijay 5* ; Rahul 4*
Josh Hazlewood starts of the third over. Squeezed to onside, but saved from the boundaries. Good feilding by Lyon. But ohh...thats a three. VIJAY SAVED! Almost got him. Short of the mid-off. Elegance with the bat. Beautifully timed cover drive and Vijay gets a four.
Over 2 | Score 2/0 | Vijay 1* ; Rahul 1*
Murali Vijay at strike to face Pat Cummins. Starts off with a single. Rahul of the mark too with a single. Outside off delivery, Vijay leaves it alone. Just that two of the over
Time for another day amidst the hills #INDvAUS #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/SSfQKjIfxU
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 26, 2017
Day 1 Recap
Chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav made a memorable debut with a four-wicket haul that negated Steve Smith's defiant hundred as India bowled out Australia for 300 on an engrossing opening day of the fourth and final cricket Test.
India's first ever left-arm wrist spinner in Test cricket, Kuldeep bamboozled Australian batsmen in a terrific post-lunch spell, accounting for David Warner (56), Peter Handscomb (8) and Glenn Maxwell (8).
India did not score any run or lost wicket in the single over bowled by Josh Hazlewood before stumps were drawn.
This was after the visitors were on a roll during the opening session, courtesy skipper's Smith quality knock of 111. Scoring his third century of the series, Smith along with Warner added 134 runs for the second wicket before Kuldeep weaved his spin magic.
What to expect on Day 2
No demons in Dharamsala, in the abode of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Cricke-twise also, the pitch was just about perfect.
That's what India want. A good batting pitch, considering the fact that, they will be batting in the fourth innings of the match.
In absence of mercurial skipper Virat Kohli, openers Lokesh Rahul and Murali Vijay will like to bat as long as possible. And that depends on hosts of factors, and pitch's is one big one.
If India manage to eclipse Aussie's modest total of 300, then it will be all advantage.
New Delhi: Welcome to our Day 2 live coverage of the fourth and final Test match between India and Australia, being played at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharmasala.
