India had a lackluster performance on the second day, though the Asian giants showed an early promise against Australia as they took wickets at rapid succession, which boosted their confidence. However, this lead was short-lived according to Sunil Gavaskar as Australia regained their dominance quickly with the bowl. Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary batter of India, commented that India needs to score more than 269 runs and try to reduce the lead as much as possible.
Barring Ravindra Jadeja and Ajinkya Rahane none of the other batters were able to score more than 20 runs. As the second day got over with disappointment, India smashed the total run-rally of 151 on 5 wickets. It will be difficult for India going on the third day as they have already lost a cluster of wickets, but many fans and cricket experts have shown their faith in Rahane and KS Bharat, that their innings might facilitate India to reach a good score, which will assist India to avoid the dreadful follow-on.
“They Were Out Shouldering Some Deliveries, getting bowled..” – Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar opines that if India surpasses the score of 269 or more, that would be enough to reduce the lead and burden from their shoulder. He commented while talking to Star Sports:
“When the Australians have seen in 2001 when Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman had that massive partnership. Sorry, I am reminding you of that (Justin Langer) . They batted for almost two days. Then India came back on the last day and dismiss Australia to win,” said Sunil Gavaskar.
“And then went on to win the last Test as well. I do not think Australia will entertain any thoughts of giving a follow-on. Because if they do, and India bat well. India have the ability. They made some misjudgments. They made some errors,” he added.
“They were out shouldering some deliveries, getting bowled. They could score some runs like it happened at the Eden gardens. On the last day when the ball is turning, Ravindra Jadeja can create some magic. So India’s first target would be to get past that score of 269 and try and reduce the lead as much as possible.” he added.
Second Day Highlights Of ICC WTC Finals:
After a dissatisfactory performance by India on the onset of WTC Finals, they came out formidable on the second day, by snaring big wickets at a quick succession. Mohammad Siraj gave an early breakthrough to India by dismissing Travis Head on a short ball, after his heroic innings of 163.
Subsequently to Head’s departure, Cameron Green gave away his wicket, through a marvelous run-out by Axar Patel, who came in as a substitute. In-form batter Steven Smith notched up a century only after 2 balls, but could not sustain longer as he was eliminated by Shardul Thakur.
Followed by the wickets of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Alex Carrey India managed to refrain Australia to 469 runs. Which boosted India’s confidence, nonetheless, the hopes were quickly extinguished as Aussies reasserted their dominance with bowl. Australia ousted both the openers Shubhman Gill and Rohit Sharma, before tea time. The turning point came when Pujara got dismissed by the Star all-rounder Cameron Green and latter ensured Australia’s faith over him.
Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane were seen confident, but soon Kohli lost his wicket by the bouncer tossed by Mitchell Starc, he wanted to fend the ball away but the ball hits the top of the blade near the handle and flies towards the slip cordon, and without any mistakes Steven Smith takes a brilliant catch, sending Kohli back to the dugouts.
Then entered Jadeja, with his dynamic form, he and Rahane displayed an explosive partnership of 71 runs, but this also did not endured longer as Nathan Lyon on his first over took away the wicket of the In form batter Jadeja. Now all the eyes are set on Ajinkya Rahane and KS Bharat as they will try to put up a struggle and fight against the mighty Aussies on the third day.