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IND vs AUS: Head, Khawaja Make Merry Before India Ensure Stalemate

image-lf0pifonRavichandran Ashwin after dismissing Travis Head [Source: Twitter]

The fourth Test between India and Australia thrilled the jam-packed Ahmedabad crowd right from the word go, as the hosts fought back in the latter half of the first session before Travis Head and Usman Khawaja ensured a great start for the visiting side. Thus, the Test match, which was witnessed by the Prime Ministers of both nations, seems well-poised with Australia placed at 75 for 2 at Lunch on day 1. 


Here's how the battle panned out? 

image-lf0po82kTravis Head and Usman Khawaja [Source: AP]

After opting to bat first, Australia had a cautious start, as the Indian new-ball bowlers Mohammad Shami and Umesh Yadav asked some tough questions to their openers through subtle seam movement and nagging accuracy. 

However, after a few overs, the Australian duo of Travis Head and Usman Khawaja upped the ante, capitalising on the even pace and bounce of the Ahmedabad deck. 

Gradually, the scoring rate rose exponentially and the visitors breached the 50-run mark, riding on a few glorious boundaries from both these batters. 

However, just when everything seemed to be in Australia's control, India's trump card Ravichandran Ashwin drew the first blood for his side, providing them with the crucial breakthrough of Travis Head. 

Soon after, Mohammed Shami got one jagged back into Marnus Labuschagne and shatter his timbers. However, Khawaja and skipper Steve Smith negotiated the remaining overs, preventing India from getting another Australian wicket. 


Talking Points

  • KS Bharat received massive backlash after dropping Travis Head off Umesh Yadav. Although it didn't cost India much, the young keeper will be keen to prove himself with the gloves in the second session. 
  • Travis Head failed to capitalise on a great start once again, getting out for a quick-fire 44-ball 32. So, the southpaw needs to work on this aspect of his game in the coming innings. 


Expectations from the second session

As we have seen so far, the Ahmedabad pitch hasn't offered any substantial assistance to the spinners. So, unless Australian batters get out while attempting rash shots, we expect them to set the tone for a massive first innings total in the post-lunch session. 


Brief Scores

Australia 1st innings: 75/2 (29)
Travis Head 32 (44), Usman Khawaja 27* (94), Steve Smith 2* (17);
Mohammed Shami 1/14 (8), Ravichandran Ashwin 1/18 (10)