At the close of play on Day 2 of ICC 2023 Test Championship, Australia who were dismissed for 469 during afternoon session, Is once again in the driving seat. Travis Head scored 163, his fourth 150 plus score in test cricket. Smith scored his 31st century, he was dismissed for 121 runs. Siraj 4-108, with Thakur and Shami 2 wickets each.
India in their first innings reply is struggling due to early setbacks. India’s early batters faced a fiery Australian attack. The pace was quick, the line was precise and accurate, with plenty of movement off the wicket. And the bounce inflicted pain at times. This was, indeed, a clear signal to England of what is to come, and very likely to cause a lot of concerns for England when they face off in the Ashes series at home this summer. Jadeja has top scored so far with 48 he edged a Lyon delivery that was easily taken by Steve Smith in the slips.
Earlier Shubman Gill offered no shot to a Scott Boland delivery only to see his middle and off stumps disturbed. He scored only 13, and Cheteshwar Pujara experienced a similar fate, on 14, he also offered no shot to a Cameron Green delivery which rattled his stumps. Rahane had a reprieve, when his LBW out decision was reversed due to a no ball call against the bowler, he has scored 29 not out at close of play. Bharat, the other not out batter has scored 5 runs.
Australia is on top for now, however, I am mindful that the unexpected can and do happen. So, it would be unwise to count India out at this time. India is trailing by 318 runs, and the possibility of the follow on looms large. The question for today is, Can India avoid the follow-on?
Dennis (for L. Francis)