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Can India grab lead on Day 2?

November 23, 2024


Aus 67-7 (27 ovs) vs India 150 | Scorecard

Welcome to the coverage of Day 2 of the first Test between Australia and India in Perth on Saturday.

It turned out to be action-packed opening day of the series opener as fast bowlers from both teams dominated on a lively pitch at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Friday.

In a fiery display of fast bowling in the final session, Jasprit Bumrah (4/17) managed to turn the game on its head, sending three of Australia's top-four packing in the first seven overs.

After India were skittled out for 150 by Australia's experienced seam attack, they staged a sensational comeback with the ball to leave Australia in tatters.

Australia were struggling 67/7 at stumps on a frenetic 17-wicket day, still trailing by 83 and in danger of falling short of their lowest-ever total against India -- 83, recorded in 1981.

Debutant Nathan McSweeney (10) was his first victim, judged lbw on review, while Usman Khawaja was next, caught-behind for eight. Steve Smith was beaten for speed one ball later, trapped leg-before for nought.

The 30-year-old held himself back, picking up a fourth wicket just before stumps by inducing an edge from counterpart Pat Cummins, allowing first-gamer Harshit Rana to unleash pace which resulted in Travis Head (11) being castled.

Bumrah could have had a fifth in the session, had Virat Kohli held on to a regulation catch in the slips when Marnus Labuschagne was on zero.

The drop did not prove costly, as Labuschagne laboured to two off 52 balls before paceman Mohammed Siraj (2/17) trapped him lbw.

Earlier, pacer Josh Hazlewood claimed 4/29 from 13 overs to bundle out India for 150 in their first innings.
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