Australia vs India 2018, 2nd Test Match, Perth - Tea Report

Australia had a perfect start to the second session on Day two when Josh Hazlewood cleaned up out-of-form KL Rahul. It was a fine yorker from Hazlewood and Rahu had no answer to the spectacular delivery. Consequently, the Indian opener continued with his dismal performance as the right-hander could not deliver the goods.

Subsequently, the onus was on India’s two best batsmen, Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli. Both the right-handers were able to steady the ship. Virat Kohli had the perfect start as the talisman scored three majestic boundaries from Josh Hazlewood’s over.

Pujara and Kohli need to bat big.

Kohli made use of his wrist to on-drive the ball through to the mid-wicket region. The Indian captain also came up with a fine straight drive as he looked at the top of his form. Kohli was able to hit the ground running from the get-go. However, he adopted a cautious approach after settling into his groove.

Furthermore, Cheteshwar Pujara also got himself going as he found the middle of the bat. Pujara rotated the strike with guile as he kept the scoreboard moving.

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli had a lucky escape when he decided to leave a ball against Nathan Lyon. The ball missed Kohli’s stumps by a whisker and Kohli was warier in his approach after that ball.

It was a much-needed alliance between Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli as the Australian bowlers had India on the mat after picking up two early wickets. Meanwhile, Australia had posted 326 runs in their first innings after electing to bat first. Thus, Australia is in a commanding position.

Both Pujara and Kohli will need to bat big to keep the Indian team in the game. Pujara is in fine form as he had scored a fine knock of 123 runs in the first innings of the opening Test and had backed with another solid 70 in the second dig.

Brief Scores: India: 70-2, trail by 256 runs.

Australia: 326, Marcus Harris 70, Ishant Sharma 4-41.