At Pune when Indians were thrashed, it was O’Kofee who ran through the hosts batting line-up in both the innings. And in the second Test match which began at Chinnaswamy stadium Bangalore today – the day one belonged to Nathan Lyon, who with his immaculate line and length stole the show with a eight-wicket haul. And his is the best performance by an overseas bowler on the Indian soil so far.
He did get some turn from the wicket was true, but he hardly gave any chance to the Indian batsmen to take any extra liberty off his bowling. With the exception of K Rahul, the local hero who batted with courage, none of the Indian batters looked comfortable. The turning point of course was the wicket of Chetashwara Pujara at the stroke of lunch. Pujara and Rahul added 61 runs for the second wicket after Mukund who came in for the injured Vijay got out early, misjudging a full toss.
The real drama began after lunch as Lyon first got the most important wicket of Kohli, who once again was dismissed the Pune way, leaving the ball.Then Rahane did not last long and Karun Nair, who was included in the team at the last moment to strengthen the batting didn’t capitalise on the start he got.
The lower order which contributed so much during the England series once again failed to make any impact and Rahul was running out of company as eventually India were bundled out for 189.
The Aussies got 16 overs to play and both their openers Warner and Renshaw batted cautiously taking the score to 40 for no wicket at the end of play. If the Aussies can get a good first innings lead as they only trail by 149 runs with all wickets intact, Indians will be on the back foot. The first session is going to be very important for both the teams tomorrow.
By Sudeer Mahavaadi – DD Commentator
