Virat Kohli’s dream of challenging the Australians looks doubtful after completion of Day 2 at Sydney. The Australians have not only amassed the 12th Highest total of their bilateral series, but also went on creating new batting records. After having mercy on Indians, the Aussies declared at 572/7 and Indians were jolted as in-form Vijay went on a duck, probably mentally fighting the battle of not being included in the World Cup squad. The new-look Indian batting line up did show promise though finishing Day 2 at 71/1.
2014-2015 Indian Tour of Australia: Schedule
Statistics from Day 2
- 4th consecutive century by Smith makes him the 2nd batsmen (After Kallis) in the World to score centuries in all tests of a series.
1st Time 6 Australians scored 50+ runs in an innings.
2nd Time (after South Africa in 2003-04 vs West Indies) a team has scored 500+ runs in every test of the series.
4th time (out of totall 6 times) Indians conceded 6 50+ scores in a test innings.
24th instance of 4 bowlers conceding 100+ runs in an innings gets India second behind England (32).
1 bowler from India (Shami Ahmed) takes 5 wickets in an innings of the series. Umesh Yadav (2011-12) and Kumble (2007-08) performed the feat in last two tours Down Under.
Australia Declare
Continuing from the overnight score, Watson (81) added 196 runs with Smith as Shami had him caught by Ashwin when the score reached 400. Within 15 runs, Yadav had Smith (115) caught behind as Captain Smith completed his 4th test century in 4 tests providing 3rd biggest instance of Aussies hitting consecutive centuries in test matches. The list is led by Bradman with 6 consecutive centuries.
Shaun Marsh and Burns were the new batsmen. Instead of a collapse both of them added 114 runs for the 5th wicket, the third 100+ partnerships of the innings. Marsh (73) and Burns (58) both were sent back by Shami. Quickfire 25 runs on 9 balls by Harris took the score to 572/7 when Aussies decided to declare as Haddin remained unbeaten on 9 runs.
Indian Bowlers Part of Dubious Record
Indian bowlers conceded the dubious record of conceding 100+ runs by 4 bowlers for the 24th time. Only England which started playing Cricket much before India is ahead of them with 32 such instances. B Kumar (0/122 in 34 overs) and Raina (0/53 in 16 overs) were wicketless. Umesh Yadav (1/137 in 27 overs) cannot expect to play another test series in near future now. Ashwin (1/142 in 47 overs) was better among them while Shami (5/112 in 28.3 overs) was the best, becoming the only Indian bowler to grab five wickets during the series. Aussies have taken 4 5-wicket haul in this series so far.
Indian Response
Starting the innings with KL Rahul and Murali Vijay and sending Rohit Sharma at No. 3 is new for Indians. While the in-form Murali Vijay became the victim of Starc only on the third ball of the innings, Rahul (31) and Rohit (40) took India to 71/1 at the end of Day 2.
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