India chip away at Aussie lead
India reached 120/1 by stumps on day two trailing Australia by 331 runs having bowled the visitors out for 451 on day two of the third Test in Ranchi.
Steve Smith ended the Australian innings not out with 178 to his name, cementing his place as the number one Test batsman in the world and registering the fifth highest score by a visiting captain in India.
Glenn Maxwell became the first Australian number six to score a Test hundred since 2014 and also became only the second Australian after Shane Watson to score a century in all three formats.
Maxwell began his day by having his willow cracked in half but would go on to vindicate his selection and at least for the moment resolve the problematic number six slot.
Ravindra Jadeja would end Maxi’s vigil shortly after the Victorian brought up his maiden Test ton having him caught behind for 104.
Maxwell was replaced at the crease by his state teammate Matthew Wade who played a typically combative innings of 37 before he too fell to Jadeja.
Pat Cummins first innings in Test cricket for six years was a brief one as he was bowled by Jadeja off the second ball he faced.
Steve O’Keefe provided some stubborn resistance as he made 25 in a 51 run partnership with skipper Smith before pulling Umesh Yadav down fine leg’s throat.
Jadeja wrapped up a five-for that could see him ascend to the top of the ICC bowling rankings when he dismissed Nathan Lyon for 1.
The left-arm spinner then ran out Josh Hazlewood to bring the Australian innings to a close, he would end with figures of 5/124.
Lokesh Rahul (67) got India’s reply off to a good start with his fourth fifty of the series before becoming Cummins first Test victim on his long-awaited return to the longest format.
Murali Vijay (42) and Cheteshwar Pujara remained solid as they guided India to 120/1 by the close on what still looks like a good pitch to bat on.
Latest
-
News
Brendon McCullum on the verge of being named England men’s Test coach
The New Zealander could be confirmed in his new role this week.
-
News
Harry Brook eager to press England claims against ‘best ever’ James Anderson
The Yorkshire batter is relishing the chance to take on the Lancashire seamer in this week’s Roses match.
-
News
Ex-NZ captain Brendon McCullum favourite for England Test coach role – reports
The 40-year-old is said to have been interviewed for the position.
-
News
Henry Nicholls doubtful for New Zealand Test opener in England after calf scan
The middle order batter will make the trip to England for the three-Test series but could miss out on the first Test at Lord’s.
-
News
Brendon McCullum emerges as leading contender for England Test coach – reports
The 40-year-old is said to have held talks with the England and Wales Cricket Board and is believed to be interested in the job.
-
News
Former England batter Graham Thorpe ‘seriously ill’ in hospital
The 52-year-old had accepted the job of Afghanistan head coach following his departure from the England set-up after this winter’s Ashes.
-
News
CSA drops charges of gross misconduct and racism against head coach Mark Boucher
Boucher said the allegations “were unjustified and have caused me considerable hurt and anguish”.
-
News
Luke Wright to take up short-term role on New Zealand coaching staff
Wright was part of Paul Collingwood’s T20 World Cup-winning side in 2010 and played 101 white-ball internationals for his country.
-
News
Holland head coach Ryan Campbell discharged from hospital after cardiac arrest
The Dutch Cricket Federation (KNCB) say tests have ruled out a heart attack as the cause of the cardiac arrest.
-
News
Essex draw with Yorkshire as Sir Alastair Cook scores century in both innings
England’s leading Test run-scorer finished unbeaten on 102 at Chelmsford.