Twitter Reactions: Australia in driver's seat following India's top-order collapse on Day 2
Australia in the ascendency despite Rahane-Jadeja's fighting partnership.
Australia tightened their grip on the World Test Championship Final against India after a dominant showing from the bowlers on the second day. The Indian bowlers did their part by wrapping up the Australian innings after Steve Smith and Travis Head's mammoth partnership, but all their good work was undone by the Indian top order.
The day started with Steve Smith wasting no time in adding to his overnight tally, reaching his 31st Test century with consecutive boundaries in the very first over of the session. While the middle-order stalwart continued to frustrate the Indian bowlers, Travis Head showed no signs of slowing down from the other end.
However, India caught a lucky break after Head's dismissal brought an end to a marathon fourth-wicket partnership between the duo. Cameron Green also departed cheaply after a flashy drive brought his downfall. The big blow came in the form of Smith's wicket, who was cleaned up by Shardul Thakur's golden arm on his very first delivery of the second day.
Mithcell Starc's run-out further compounded Australia's woes as India took firm control of the first session on the second day of the summit clash. But, a counter-attacking innings from Alex Carey punctured India's hopes of restricting the Aussies to below 400 runs. Mohammed Siraj's lion-hearted performance with the ball saw him return with four-for as Australia's innings ended on a handsome total of 469 runs, despite losing their last seven wickets for the addition of just 108 runs.
Ravindra Jadeja's departure halts India's revival after a top-order failure
A stern test awaited Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill when they walked out to face the Australian pace battery. They did well in the initial stage, only for the Indian skipper to be trapped plumb in front after missing a tempting flick. His young opening partner also departed in the very next over after a misjudged leave proved fatal for the opener.
India headed to Tea after losing both their openers with their hopes pinned on the senior batting duo of Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara. However, Pujara also fell in the same trap as Gill, after his leave saw the Australians celebrate in jubilation. But it was Kohli's wicket that really deflated the Indian hopes as the former Indian skipper was done all ends up by the extra bounce of a delivery from Mitchell Starc.
However, the Indian fans at The Oval found their voice when an in-form Ravindra Jadeja joined hands with Ajinkya Rahane in the middle. The duo stitched a valiant partnership for the fifth wicket, rescuing India from a perilous position. Jadeja's dismissal at the fag end of the day dampened the Indian spirits as the Asian giants have another grinding day waiting for them.
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