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Xtra Time Web Desk: The New Year’s Test between Jasprit Bumrah’s India and Pat Cummins’ Australia have ebbed and flowed throughout. 26 wickets have gone down across two days and batters have found it extremely tough to adjust to the seaming conditions at the Sydney Cricket Ground. At Stumps on Day 2, India led by 145 runs with four wickets left in their second innings.

After getting bowled out for 185 runs in their first innings, India eked out a small lead of two runs. In their second innings, India got themselves up to 141 for seven in 32 balls. They could have been seven down had Steve Smith not dropped Ravindra Jadeja off Beau Webster at the fag end of the day’s play.

Rishabh Pant stole the limelight with his 61-run knock off 33 balls, laced with six fours and four sixes. Had it not been for Pant’s knock, India could have been in deeper trouble. For now, with three days left, who has the upper hand? Who between India and Australia have a realistic chance of winning? Or is any team ahead of the other?

Australia within control

Australia hold the record for the highest successful run-chase at the SCG after they tracked down 287 against South Africa back in January 2006. Out of the 33 chases in Sydney, Australia feature 26 times. England feature in the list six times while Pakistan chased 32 back in January 1977. In fact, the Aussies are the only team to chase down a target of more than 200 six times at the SCG.

List of successful run-chases at the SCG

Well within range 

In the 21st century, there have been eight successful chases in Sydney, all by Australia. Going by India’s current lead of 145 in the match, Australia are in control of the New Year’s Test. Back in January 2001, they chased down 173 against the West Indies and won by six wickets.

Then in October 2003, they won by nine wickets against Zimbabwe after chasing down 172. Hence, Australia would feel that they are well and truly in the game and within sights of a victory.

List of successful run-chases at the SCG in 21st century