IND vs AUS, 4th Test, Tea Report: Khawaja, Smith Makes India Sweat Hard
Khawaja and Smith stand tall in front of India [AP Photos]
A better pitch was prepared for the Ahmedabad Test and the Australian batters made full use of it. Question marks were raised on Usman Khawaja, when he failed to perform in Nagpur, but since then, the southpaw has resurrected himself and is arguably the best batter for the visitors on this tour.
Resuming the second session at 75 for 2, Indian bowlers had their tails up, and it was expected that more inroads are on the way. But Khawaja provided the resistance and got an able partner in Steve Smith, as the bowlers had to sweat hard under testing conditions.
For the first time in this series, the batters can feel the confidence, and that was reflected with the way both the batters played throughout the session. Rohit Sharma tried all the permutations and combinations, but nothing worked for him as Australia marched on towards a successful session.
India drew only one false shot in the entire session, and that showed the way they bowled on this track. The spinners were a bit too full and that didn't help the Indian cause.
After a bit of toil, Khawaja reached his 22nd fifty in Test cricket, and it took him 146 balls. The southpaw read the conditions really well and knew that the wicket won't deteriorate on the first day.
On the other hand, Steve Smith had to work hard for his runs, but the champion batter made sure that he stayed at one end, and supported Khawaja to perfection.
At the time of Tea, Australia are 149 for 2, with Khawaja batting at 65, and Smith unbeaten at 38.
Talking Points
- Yes, Australia batted well and pushed India on the back-foot, but on a pitch which is suitable for stroke-making, Australia have played a bit too cautiously. With the chins down for the Indian bowlers, both Khawaja and Smith could have taken advantage of it.
- After a disappointing first Test, Khawaja has bounced back in style. Yet another fifty and he is standing tall in front of the Indian bowlers once again.
Expectations
The wicket is good to bat on and Khawaja should eye a big score here. A hundred is surely on the cards. With a disappointing series for Smith, he too will be looking to punish the Indian bowlers in the third session.
Brief Score
Australia: 149-2 (62)
Usman Khawaja 65* (180), Steve Smith 38* (129)
Mohammad Shami 1-31 (11), R Ashwin 1-32 (18)
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