IND vs AUS: Rampant Umesh Yadav Runs Through Australia
Australia managed 197 in their 1st innings [Source: AP]
Riding on Umesh Yadav's sensational three-fer with the ball, hosts India restricted Australia to 197 in the first innings.
Although things seemed to be totally under Australia's control at one stage, Yadav ran riot through a magnificent spell of reverse-swing bowling to bring India back into the game.
How the battle panned out?
The first session began with Australia firmly placed at 156 for four, with Peter Handscomb and Cameron Green batting in the middle.
Unlike the first two matches, the Australians weren't under the scoreboard pressure this time; so, they felt it convenient to take their time and take as big a lead as possible.
Their cautious batting frustrated the hosts, as they consolidated the Australian innings, surviving the first sixteen overs of the day.
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However, persisting with a tight line worked wonders for Ravichandran Ashwin, as he removed Peter Handscomb for a 98-ball 19. And what followed next was nothing short of exceptional, to say the least.
Umesh Yadav capitalised on the old-ball swing and did what he has been doing since ages on Indian soil.
He swung the ball at pace to scalp the crucial wickets of Cameron Green, Mitchell Starc and Todd Murphy, helping India wrap up the Australian tail quicker than expected.
Ashwin weaved his magic at the other end, removing Nathan Lyon and Alex Carey. The duo's phenomenal performance left Australia shell-shocked, folding them out for 197 in the first innings.
In reply, Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill safely negotiated the remaining overs, as the hosts posted 13 without a wicket before lunch on day 2.
Talking Points
- Australia would be gutted to miss out on a golden opportunity of gaining a substantial first-innings lead. Ideally, they were in a favourable position to get at least 50 more runs.
- Indian spinners bowled quicker and flatter than their Australian counterparts, which led to their downfall in this match. However, they must learn from their mistakes and correct their lines in the second innings.
Expectations from the second session
From whatever Australia have bowled in the second innings, they have been incredibly disciplined. So, considering the spin-friendly nature of the surface, we expect Australia to scalp at least three to four wickets in the post-lunch session.
Brief Scores
Australia 1st innings: 197 (76.3)
Usman Khawaja 60 (147), Marnus Labuschagne 31 (91);
Ravindra Jadeja 4/78, Umesh Yadav 3/12
India 2nd innings: 13/0
Rohit Sharma 5* (13), Shubman Gill 4* (11)