WTC: After stumps on second day, its advantage Australia

Riyaz Ponmanichi /Dubai, June 8,2023(IANS)

Australia, on overnight score of 327/3, faced a lower-order collapse to be all out for 469. But not before Smith completing his 30th test hundred. Mohammed Siraj claiming 4/108. Shami and Thakur pick up 2 each.India’s innings begin and within no time they were 75/4. Skipper Rohit continued his poor batting form and was the first to go, LBW to his counterpart. Shubhman Gill and CheteswaPujara got out due to a terrible error of judging the bounce. Kohli got a beauty from Michael Starc. Raveendra Jadeja and Achinkya Rahane entered into a good partnership of 50-plus runs, but the introduction of spiner Nathan Lyon put an end to their partnership. Jadeja played well for his 48 before falling to Lyon. At stumps, India was at 151/5. Rahanne batting on 29 and with him Bharath on 5.

Australia will definitely bat again in their second innings, irrespective of the first innings lead they have, they will try to extend the lead out of reach of India, then they will ask India to bat by the second session of day 4. On the other hand India will try to reduce the 1st innings deficit as much as possible.It all depends how long Rahanne can bat. From here on I could see only one result is possible in this test match, an Australia victory . Having said that miracles do happen in test cricket. Let’s be optimistic