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IND vs AUS: Ravichandran Ashwin Strikes Before Head And Labuschagne Keep India At Bay

image-lf6ewxvxTravis Head had another impressive outing [Source: AP]

Despite valiant efforts from the Indian bowlers, Australia managed to minimise the damage in the first session on day 5, losing only wicket in their second innings. While nightwatchman Matthew Kuhnemann showed enormous grit to neutralise 35 deliveries, Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head kept India at bay through their watertight technique. 


How the battle panned out?

The session began with Australia placed at three for no loss, with Travis Head and Matthew Kuhnemann batting in the middle. Although the Indian bowlers targeted the right areas from the word go, the Aussie southpaws batted cautiously, tackling them effectively. 

image-lf6elpziTravis Head and Marnus Labuschagne consolidated Australian innings [Source: AP]

However, the hosts didn't lose patience and continued asking tough questions, which eventually reaped them a reward, as Ravichandran Ashwin finally removed Kuhnemann for a 35-ball six. 

After drawing the first blood, India attacked with full throttle, with skipper Rohit Sharma making things tougher for the visitors through his astute on-field tactics. However, despite the Indian spin trio giving their best, the hosts couldn't break the second wicket stand, as Labuschagne and Head guided Australia to 73 for one at lunch on day 5.


Talking Points

  • There's plenty of turn on offer off the surface. The ball spun and bounced unevenly on multiple occasions, which are definitely encouraging for the home side. 
  • Although Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head have survived some close calls, they have looked fairly comfortable in the middle, as suggested by their control percentages of 87 and 83, respectively. 


Expectations from the second session

The second session will likely determine the outcome of the game. If India break this stand, they can definitely rip through the Australian batting lineup. On the contrary, if the Aussies negotiate the session, they will avoid defeat. 


Brief Scores

Australia 2nd innings: 73/1
Travis Head 45* (96) , Marnus Labuschagne 22* (85);
Ravichandran Ashwin 1/24 (14)

Australia trail by 18 runs.