Xtra Time Web Desk: A brilliant partnership of 114 runs between Ravichandran Ashwin (37 off 71 balls) and Axar Patel (74 from 115 balls) saw India post 262 runs in the first innings, just one run short from Australia’s first innings total in the second test at Arun Jaitley Stadium. At stumps on Day 2, Australia have scored 61/1, taking a lead of 62 runs. Travis Head is batting on 39(40) along with Marnus Labuschagne 16(19).
Earlier in the day Nathan Lyon got rid of the first four Indian batters – KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara and Shreyas Iyer. He ended up taking five wickets. It was his 22nd Test five-for in career.
Virat Kohli looked good for his 44 runs before he was controversially given out leg before by the umpire off debutant Kuhnemann and a review left it too close to call on replays whether the ball hit the bat or pad first, before tracking suggested a strike on leg stump. Third umpire Richard Illingworth upheld the on-field decision, much to the surprise of Kohli, who went back dejected and was seen animated while watching replays in the pavilion.
Axar Patel looked unperturbed as he kept up the attack after tea and reached his second successive Test half-century. He was well supported by Ashwin at the other end.
Brief Scores:
Australia: 263 all out and 61 for 1 in 12 overs (Travis Head 39 not out; Ravindra Jadeja 1/23)
India 1st Innings: 262 all out in 83.3 overs (Axar Patel 74, Virat Kohli 44; Nathan Lyon 5/67)