The opening day of the Delhi Test continued to race forward at a brisk pace, with Australia continuing to score at well over three runs an over. But their improved batting show led by Usman Khawaja’s 81 was still kept in check as India chipped away, adding three more to the wickets column to restrict Australia to 199/6 at the Tea interval.
Australia added 106 runs in the second session, 59 of which came through a fine stand between Khawaja and Peter Handscimb (36*). The visitors, who had already lost both Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith in one Ravichandran Ashwin over before Lunch, were at the risk of folding cheaply yet again. Especially when Rohit Sharma’s ploy to start the second session with a seamer from one end paid dividends. Travis Head, brought back for this game, attempted to slash a Shami delivery but only managed to offer KL Rahul a sharp catch at second slip.
Handscomb and Khawaja then got together for the second half-century stand of the innings, with the pair looking assured against spin. India were at their least effective when they had Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel bowling in tandem and Handscomb, in particular, got himself going by hitting three fours from the first 20 deliveries faced. At the other end, Khawaja continued where he left off in the opening session, using the sweeps – especially the reverse – to great effect.
With first innings runs at a premium, Rohit stationed in-out fields and that meant singles were on offer for the two batters. Playing spin with the softer ball too was much easier with the pitch, despite offering turn, hiding no demons.
Eventually, it was a moment of fielding brilliance that brought India respite. Khawaja timed a reverse-sweep off Jadeja but couldn’t beat a leaping Rahul at cover-point, to fall for 81. India seized the opening and added another wicket when Alex Carey edged Ashwin to slip but Pat Cummins and the impressive Handscomb put on another mini stand before the interval to keep Australia on course for a competitive total.
Earlier in the morning, Australia raced away to 94/3 in the opening session after winning the toss, thanks in large part to Khawaja’s half-century. The left-hander put on 50 with a fidgety David Warner and then another quickfire 41 off 44 with Labuschagne before India clawed back with Ashwin’s double-wicket over.
Brief scores: Australia 199/6 (Usman Khawaja 81, Peter Handscomb 36*; R. Ashwin 3-57) vs India
