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IND vs AUS: R Ashwin Scripts India's Comeback Through A Remarkable Spell

image-lf2a6zzuRavichandran Ashwin celebrating a dismissal [Source: AP]

Riding on Ravichandran Ashwin's magical bowling spell, hosts India bounced back strongly in the fourth Test against Australia in Ahmedabad. Australia, who were only four down at lunch on day 2, succumbed to Ashwin's guile, losing three more wickets in the second session. 


How the battle panned out?

image-lf2adly0Usman Khawaja is still unbeaten [Source: AP]

The session began with Australia well-placed at 347 for four, with Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green unbeaten on 150 and 95, respectively. 

The duo continued their dominance on the home bowlers, adding further 31 runs in 67 deliveries before Green became Ashwin's second victim of the match. 

However, before getting out, the swashbuckling all-rounder had slammed a fabulous hundred, speaking volumes for his incredible ability. 

With Green's departure, India managed to break the mammoth 208-run stand for the fifth wicket. This also opened the floodgates for the Aussies, who lost Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc to Ashwin in quick succession. 

However, these dismissals had a little impact on Usman Khawaja, who continued his meditation with the bat. The opener, who has exhibited enormous grit and determination, looks all set for a memorable double ton, unbeaten at 180 at tea on day 2. 


Talking Points

  • Batting in favourable playing conditions couldn't put an end to the miseries of Alex Carey, who got out cheaply, miscuing an expansive shot, for the umpteenth time in the series. 
  • The Indian bowlers were much more disciplined, signified from the fact that they conceded only 62 runs in this session as opposed to 92 in the last one. 


Expectations from the final session

Considering Australia have breached the 400-run mark, we expect them to up the scoring rate in the final session. If they score somewhere around 500, we might see Steve Smith declaring the innings, asking India to bat in the final hour of the day.


Brief Scores

Australia 1st innings: 409/7 (146)
Usman Khawaja 180* (421), Cameron Green 114 (170), Nathan Lyon 6* (36);
Ravichandran Ashwin 4/83 (41), Mohammed Shami 2/102 (28)