Mitchel Starc counterattacked the Indians, scoring a fine half century and his fifty one runs unbeaten 9th wicket partnership with Hazelwood helped Australia reach a respectable 256 for 9 on a dramatic first day’s play at Pune.
At 205 for nine with so many overs to go it seemed Aussies would be bundled out below 220. But Starc and Hazelwood had other ideas. Hazlewood was a silent spectator as his contribution in the partnership is only a single, while Starc attacked the Indian bowlers, showing good aggression.
Australia in fact lost a good opportunity to post a big first innings total after being well placed before the tea interval. But they lost some quick wickets, when it looked they were in control of day one after winning the toss and deciding to bat first on decent batting track.
Their openers Warner and Renshaw gave them a solid start, but the former’s dismissal and Renshaw suffering stumach upset suddenly brought the Australians under pressure. In fact it was captain Kohli’s brilliant move that got India the needed breakthrogh. Kohli gave the ball to Umesh Yadav at the right time after with Ishant and Ashwin who started the attack failed to get any wicket. And the Nagpurian pitched the ball at good length to beat Warner’s bat.
Then captain Smith and Shaun Marsh steadied the innings well with some good cricket. But Ashwin got the wicket of Smith, while Jadeja struck couple of quick blows and Umesh removed the tailenders as the visitors slumped to 205 for 9 from 149 for two.
Tomorrow if India can remove the last wicket early they have good chance of making a big first innings total. There is some help for the quick bowlers, otherwise it looks to be good batting wicket.
The only worry morrow morning is how long Stac will get Hazelwood’s company. If they get past 300 it will be a big relief for the tourists.
BY Sudeer Mahavaadi – DD Commentator
