IND vs AUS, 4th Test: Khawaja And Green Frustrate India With Impeccable Resistance
Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green [Source: AP]
Unlike the first two Tests, visitors Australia have tightened their grip on the ongoing fourth Test match against India, with Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green scripting their side's dominance through a magnificent stand.
As a result, the Indian bowlers kept searching for wickets throughout the first session on day 2, failing to scalp any despite toiling hard under Ahmedabad's scorching heat.
How the battle panned out
The day began with Australia well-placed at 255 for four, with Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green batting on 104* and 49*, respectively. Although the Indian bowlers kept basics right initially, the grit of the Australian duo eventually frustrated them.
Both these batters looked rock-solid in their defensive technique, as they respected the good deliveries from their counterparts. However, they left no stone unturned when they got anything short or wide, dispatching it to the fence with ease.
Gradually, the Indian shoulders dropped, as the Aussies set the tone for a mammoth first-innings total. While Khawaja showcased undaunted stoicism for his 354-ball 150*, Green was a bit more aggressive, hammering 15 fours for his fabulous 95*-run knock.
Riding on this sensational stand, the visitors were powered to 347 for four at lunch on day 2.
Talking Points
- Despite not getting a breakthrough, India somewhat underutilised their bowling trump card Mohammed Shami in this session. On the other hand, they overused Umesh Yadav, who has been ordinary with the ball since the first day.
- This is Cameron Green's first-ever half century on Indian soil. If he scores five more runs, he will complete a magnificent ton.
Expectations
With the pitch offering absolutely nothing, Australia are expected to add at least 100 more runs to their total in the second session. We might see the visitors going for quick runs, as they will eye at declaration in the last session.
Brief Scores
Australia 1st innings: 347/4 (119)
Usman Khawaja 150* (354), Cameron Green 95* (135)
Mohammad Shami 2/84, Ravindra Jadeja 1/61
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