The second Test between India and Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad was an eventful affair that had many interesting moments and statistical highlights.
Test Match: India vs Australia
Let's take a closer look at the noteworthy events from the second day of the match.
Umesh Yadav joined an elite club of Indian fast bowlers as he became only the fifth pacer from India to take 100 wickets at home. This achievement underscores the effectiveness and consistency of Umesh Yadav, who has been a potent weapon for the Indian team in home conditions.
Nathan Lyon, the Australian off-spinner, went past the legendary Muttiah Muralitharan to become the second-highest wicket taker against India in Test cricket. Lyon's ability to get the better of Indian batsmen has been remarkable, and his consistency and accuracy have made him one of the best spinners in the world.
Lyon also achieved another significant milestone as he equalled Richie Benaud's tally of most 5-wicket hauls (5) against India in India. This is a remarkable achievement, and it underscores Lyon's ability to deliver match-winning performances against one of the best teams in the world.
However, Lyon's most impressive feat of the day was his ability to get the better of Cheteshwar Pujara yet again. Lyon dismissed Pujara for the 13th time in Tests, which is the most any Indian batsman has been dismissed by a bowler. Pujara, who is known for his dogged resistance and ability to bat for long periods, has been a thorn in the side of many bowlers, but Lyon seems to have his measure.
In addition, Lyon's figures of 8/64 were the second-best by a visiting bowler in India. This performance was a masterclass in spin bowling, and Lyon's ability to extract turn and bounce from the surface was a treat to watch.
On the Indian side, the most disappointing aspect of the day was the batting collapse in the second innings. The Indian team was bowled out for 163, leaving Australia with a target of just 76 runs. This was only the second time since 1978 that India had been bowled out twice for under 200 runs in a Test match.
Furthermore, the Indian team batted for only 93.5 overs in the match, which is the second-fewest overs batted by India in a Test match. This is a worrying sign for the Indian team, which has struggled with its batting in recent times.
Despite this, Cheteshwar Pujara played a beautiful innings and scored a gritty fifty on a challenging pitch. Pujara's ability to stay at the crease and grind out runs is invaluable for the Indian team, and his contribution will be crucial if India is to win this Test match.
Finally, Steve Smith's leadership and cricketing strategy were on full display as Australia played beautifully and with a clear mindset in this match. The Australian team has bounced back after losing the first Test, and they look set to level the series with a win in Ahmedabad.
Conclusion:
The second day of the second Test between India and Australia was a fascinating affair that had many noteworthy moments and statistical highlights. With Australia needing just 76 runs to win, the third day promises to be an exciting one, and it remains to be seen if India can make a comeback or if Australia will emerge victorious.
Keypoints:
1. Stat highlights of the day include notable achievements by Umesh Yadav, Nathan Lyon, and India's overall team performance in the test match against Australia
2. Lyon surpassed Muttiah Muralitharan to become the second-highest wicket-taker against India, and he also equalled Richie Benaud's record of most 5-wicket hauls vs India in India
3. Cheteshwar Pujara spoke about the difficulties of batting on a tough pitch and the need to find the right balance between attack and defence
4. Rohit Sharma had an animated chat with substitute Ishan Kishan, suggesting the kind of shots to play and ultimately, it needed a blinder of a catch from Smith to dismiss Pujara
5. Nathan Lyon was the star with the ball for the visitors, taking 8/64 in the second innings and helping Australia to a comfortable victory
6. The article also lists the best figures by a visiting bowler in India and concludes by highlighting the Australians' excellent performance and leadership qualities in the match
