An unwavering Usman Khawaja (104 n.o., 251b, 15×4) hit a boundary by way of deep sq. within the final over of the opening day to convey up his second Test century of the 12 months and information Australia to 255 for 4 within the fourth Test on the Narendra Modi Stadium.
On a floor that seemed flat and performed higher than every other within the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to date, Australia received the essential toss on Thursday and determined to grind the Indian bowlers down. And after a few half-centuries within the final two outings, Khawaja braved the scorching solar and batted all through the day to assist Australia achieve the higher hand.
As the Indian bowlers struggled within the first hour of play, Khawaja and Travis Head cast a 61-run stand – the best opening partnership for Australia on the tour. Head was on seven when KS Bharat dropped a simple catch, leaving Umesh Yadav annoyed, and making many of the alternative, the Australian surged forward.
While Khawaja held fort at one finish, Head crafted his innings with seven fours – six of which got here off Umesh – earlier than holing out to mid-on, in an try to go after R. Ashwin.
India pulled issues again as Mohammad Shami struck together with his second ball of the second spell, having Marnus Labuschagne chopping on. Two wickets misplaced in fast succession, the run-flow dried up for Australia because it might rating simply eight runs within the final 10 overs earlier than Lunch.
However, a relaxed and composed Khawaja stood agency and an important 79-run partnership for the fourth wicket between him and stand-in captain Steve Smith (38, 135b, 3×4) noticed Australia dominating the second session. India captain Rohit Sharma tried a number of bowling choices and even introduced in Shreyas Iyer for an over, however none might break the partnership.
However, within the second over after Tea, India had a change in fortune as Smith, trying to defend a Jadeja supply, chopped on. Shami struck once more within the first over of a brand new spell, as he rattled Peter Handscomb’s middle-stump.
Precariously positioned at 170 for 4 with 20 overs remaining within the day, Australia abruptly discovered itself underneath strain. But Khawaja as soon as once more constructed a pivotal unbroken 85-run partnership with the younger Cameron Green (49 n.o., 64, 8×4) to show issues round.
Khawaja didn’t change his method and performed a risk-free innings, whereas Green hit a few boundaries off Umesh to get going.
India’s choice to take the second ball from the 82nd over additionally helped the visiting group because the ball got here properly on to the bat, permitting Khawaja to attain his 14th Test ton and finish the day with out additional slip-ups.
Struggling to play within the sub-continent as soon as upon a time, Khawaja has come a good distance and within the final 11 Tests in Asia since 2018, he has managed to keep up a median of 75. Better evaluation of the circumstances and studying the spinners properly appear to have achieved the trick for the Aussie batter, who has put the visiting group within the driver’s seat in Ahmedabad.
Source web site: sportstar.thehindu.com
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