Australia’s bowlers, led by spinner Nathan Lyon, helped them launch a terrific fightback late on Day 2 of the Dharamsala Test. At stumps, India trails by 52 at 248/6, aided by half centuries by in-form batsmen KL Rahul (60) and Cheteshwar Pujara (57). Skipper Ajinkya Rahane chipped in with a handy 46.
It was the visitors who drew first blood after pacer Josh Hazlewood dismissed opener Murali Vijay early in the day’s play. Rahul and Pujara combined well to grind the Australian bowling attack and stitched together an invaluable 87-run partnership for the second wicket.
But Australia dominated the game after lunch. Pacer Pat Cummins outfoxed Rahul, before Lyon picked up Pujara and Karun Nair in fairly quick succession. Rahane and Ravichandran Ashwin stabilised India with a slew of boundaries during their 49-run stand. But once again, Lyon pegged India back with a double strike.
Ravindra Jadeja, batting on 16, looked confident at the crease and smashed a six each off Lyon and Steve O’Keefe.
Brief scores:
- Australia 300 lead India 248/6 (KL Rahul 60, Cheteshwar Pujara 57; Nathan Lyon 4/67) by 52 runs
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