It’s advantage Australia on Day 2 as rain and drunken abuse play spoilsport
After Sydney, the first day of the Gabba test too saw abusive chants coming from one section of the crowd. Not surprisingly it was Siraj who was being targeted again. Nothing riles up racists more than being pulled up for racist behaviour.
Young men, having a drink, shouting abuses seems to be the Aussie way.
At least that’s the image they are putting out there in the world. Unfortunate!
Day 2
Morning session — The day started with Australia on 274/5. Cameron Green and Tim Paine up against Siraj and Natarajan. The Aussie batsmen played these Indian bowlers well and were quickly upto 311. At this point, Thakur was brought back and he gave India the breakthrough, Paine out for 50 chasing a wide one. India quickly made it a double breakthrough, Washington getting rid of Green for 47, Australia now on 313/7. Thakur gave India another wicket as he got rid of Cummins, Australia reviewing the decision and losing the review. Australia 317/8 and India firmly on top.
Beyond this point, there was a feeling of dejavu as the Australian tail wagged and India started to go through the motions. Nathan Lyon hit 4 fours on way to 24 and Starc hit a six on way to 20 to push Australia to 369. India again guilty of conceding over 50 runs for the last two wickets. Credit to the debutants, both Natarajan and Washington took 3 wickets each.
Rohit flatters to deceive again
Post Lunch, India started decently with Gill and Rohit, both looking in good touch, until Gill’s technical inadequacy on fast bouncy pitches came to the fore as he perished trying to defend with his bat away from the body. India 17/1.
Rohit had no such troubles, he defended well, played fabulous shots and it looked like he would get a really big one. But then he had a lapse in concentration, trying to hit a six off Lyon over mid on, caught at mid wicket. Rohit has been out this way so many times off Lyon, it’s surprising that he still tries to play this shot. India at 60/2.
Lyon gets his first of the innings, and inches closer to the 400 wicket landmark.
As the players walked off for tea, it started to pour buckets out in the middle. India 62/2 , with Pujara 8* and Rahane 2*, still 307 runs behind.
