Australia Show Fighting Spirit in Comeback Against India

At the start of the second day of the second Test against India, Australia must have feared the worst, as the visitors began on 311-4 on a good batting pitch.

Ajinkya Rahane looked comfortable on 75 not out, while the highly talented Rohit Sharma was there next to him, unbeaten on 26.

With those two at the crease and with Mahendra Singh Dhoni to come, the away side would have been confident of reaching 500 before the close and setting up a winning total.

However, the Australians were not going to let the tourists off that easily and bowled them out for 408 in time for the lunch break.

It meant India lost six wickets for 87 runs, with Sharma and Rahane only managing to add six runs apiece to their overnight totals before being removed.

Even within that, Australia had to battle through more challenges on a hot second day in Brisbane, as Dhoni and Ravichandran Ashwin frustrated them with a 57-run partnership.

That fightback was led by debutant Josh Hazlewood, as the 23-year-old took five wickets and battled through cramps having taken the new ball.

His efforts were appreciated as both Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc struggled for consistency.

The pair did not take a single wicket between them and conceded 164 runs in a combined 38 overs, meaning their team-mates had to rally around them.

In response, Australia will be disappointed to find themselves at 221-4, with all four of their wickets coming after their batsmen had made good starts to their innings.

David Warner looked aggressive before top-edging a catch to slip Umesh Yadav, while Shane Watson’s lean run continued—he made just 25.

However, they will be encouraged by the performance of Chris Rogers, who made 55 elegant runs to open the innings and looked in good touch.

Within that knock, the left-hander stroked 10 fours and perhaps went a fair way toward dispelling some of the rumors that his place in the team is in jeopardy.

The fightback on Day 2 was perhaps best exemplified by Australia captain Steven Smith, who already seems to be flourishing in the leadership role.

Tertius Pickard/Associated Press

A temporary replacement as skipper for the injured Michael Clarke, Smith went to the close of play unbeaten on 65 from just 88 deliveries.

That innings included six fours and two sixes and appeared to be a conscious reaction to India’s first innings, as he looked to regain momentum for his side.

It means that Australia now trail by 187 with six wickets in hand, although much will be expected of Smith and Mitchell Marsh, who is seven not out overnight.

The fightback by the Baggy Green will give them great heart, especially as they prevented India’s talented batsmen from making much headway.

They will need to continue showing resolve with the bat in the difficult overhead conditions to have the chance to build a lead ahead of both sides’ second innings.

If they can do so—and be inspired by the efforts of their captain—they will be in a strong position for the rest of this game.