Ind vs Aus 2017: 1st Test, Day 2, Pune – As it happened ....

Skipper Steve Smith (59) and Mitchell Marsh (21) were at the crease. Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin claimed three wickets on a viciously turning track.

Pune: Live cricket score and live updates from Day 2 of the first Test match between India and Australia at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium. Batting first, Aussies were 256/9 at stumps, with Mitchell Starc frustrating the Indian bowlers with a counter-attacking unbeaten 57-run knock

At Stumps on Day 2 of the 1st Test, Australia (260 & 143/4), lead India (105) by 298 runs #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/1uFcqtgwie — BCCI (@BCCI) February 24, 2017

04:33pm- Over 46 | Score 143/4 | Smith 59* , M Marsh 21*

Maiden for Jadeja. Aussies end day with a lead of 298 runs

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04:28pm- Over 45 | Score 143/4 | Smith 59* , M Marsh 21*

Ishant on the attack. Starts off donating a single. Just that one off it

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04:24pm- Over 44 | Score 142/4 | Smith 59* , M Marsh 20*

Looks like last delivery before they depart. Umesh with the ball. Marsh drives through the point for a single. One off the over

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04:16pm- Over 43 | Score 141/4 | Smith 59* , M Marsh 19*

Ishant is the bowler. Smith has been sensational through the day. Good fielding and even better with the bat. Showed why he is the no. 1 batsman. Kudos to the team as well. On a spinners pitch where most of Aussie spinners have picked up, Australian batsmen haven't fallen for the same.
Ishant going for outside off deliveries. Quick single to end the over.

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04:11pm- Over 42 | Score 140/4 | Smith 59* , M Marsh 18*

Jadeja on the attack. Keeping his ball outside off. One off it

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04:08pm- Over 41 | Score 139/4 | Smith 59* , M Marsh 17*

Jadeja on the attack. Gets a maiden. Jayant comes in to give away a single. Four off the over  

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04:03pm- Over 39 | Score 135/4 | Smith 57* , M Marsh 15*

Steve Smith seems to be pulling Aussie total single handedly. But Marsh too comes to his aid. Steps out of the crease to drive a six over mid-on. Jayant in trouble.

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03:54pm- Over 35 | Score 126/4 | Smith 55* , M Marsh 8*

Virat seems angry with the failed chances. An appeal, off for DRS. Saha has to improve on his decision to agree for a review.  

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03:50pm- Over 35 | Score 119/4 | Smith 53* , M Marsh 4*

Ishant is the bowler now. Marsh on the other hand needs to display some fine innings to play in the series. He sends a perfect cover drive to the pacer earning a four for himself and the team.  

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03:47pm- Over 35 | Score 115/4 | Smith 53* , M Marsh 0*

Jayant steps in and bids adieu to Renshaw. Going for a six but Ishant catches it. Mitchell Marsh walks in. One off the over.

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WICKET! Renshaw strikes straight, high in the air, but Ishant catches it. 

MT Renshaw c Sharma b J Yadav 31 (50b)

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03:40pm- Over 34 | Score 113/3 | Smith 52* , Renshaw 31*

How can India miss so much of chances? Aussies had counted on catches to dismiss most batsmen and here Indians are struggling to take one. Poor fielding dispaly.
Umesh on the attack. 145Kph. Poor spell, places it wide off leg stump and Smith strikes it for a four to score another Test 50. Brlliant from the skipper  

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03:32pm- Over 33 | Score 108/3 | Smith 48* , Renshaw 30*

A little change in attack. Jayant comes in. Missing it again. Confusion between the fielders, misses catch and goes for a four. Renshaw lucky this time.  

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03:28pm- Over 32 | Score 100/3 | Smith 46* , Renshaw 24*

15 overs up this session and it witnessed just one wicket. Indians need to fight back. A single to put Aussies at 100-run mark. Batsmen looking comfortable while bowlers brewing with frustration

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03:24pm- Over 31 | Score 99/3 | Smith 45* , Renshaw 24*

Ashwin little poor on his deliveries and bak-to-back boundaries off his spell.  

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03:20pm- Over 30 | Score 86/3 | Smith 43* , Renshaw 13*

Lucky Smith sends Umesh's first spell to third man. No fielder and a four.
Now that looked close. Turning near the bat, but not off. Five off the over

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03:17pm- Over 29 | Score 81/3 | Smith 38* , Renshaw 13*

Second time ! Smith dropped again . Lucky, really lucky on the skipper . One off the over

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03:14pm- Over 28 | Score 80/3 | Smith 37* , Renshaw 13*

And Umesh enters the scene. He had taken 4/32 in the first innings. Can he do it again? Tighter deliveries from the pacer. Renshaw hit on his hand, Physio runs in.  
Renshaw seem ok now. Defends the last ball

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Smith giving fine justification of no.1 Test batsman ranking: unfazed by spiteful pitch, quicksilver footwork, deft last-minute adjustments — Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) February 24, 2017

03:04pm- Over 27 | Score 79/3 | Smith 36* , Renshaw 13*

Ashwin round the wicket. Renshaw goes for a sweep but ball was too near him, edges and goes between his legs for a four.  

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02:59pm- Over 26 | Score 72/3 | Smith 35* , Renshaw 7*

Jadeja on it. Hammering with his turns. OHH that was a risky single.  

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02:59pm- Over 25 | Score 68/3 | Smith 35* , Renshaw 3*

Ashwin on the attack. Speeding up his deliveries. One off it

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02:54pm- Over 24 | Score 67/3 | Smith 35* , Renshaw 2*

Loud appeal but there was no impact. Another in the next ball and yes . Jadeja gets his first. Renshaw takes a review , but decision is on his part. Shocked! They knew they had him.  Close for the Indians, yet far

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2:50pm- Over 23 | Score 66/3 | Smith 35* , Renshaw 1*

Handscomb departed to give Ashwin his third. In walks Renshaw, star of Australia's first innings diplay.Smith cotinues with his delicacies. Spin duo has to stop the skipper  

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02:47pm- Over 22 | Score 63/3 | Smith 33* , Renshaw 0*

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At Tea on Day 2 of the 1st Test, Australia (260 & 46/2) lead India (105) by 201 runs #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/S9ygf0VUDp — BCCI (@BCCI) February 24, 2017

TEA BREAK: With much anxiety and fear, they sepped onto the field. Warner started off well adding much to their concern. But it was only for the first five balls and Ashwin removed him on his sixth delivery. Minutes later Marsh too walked back, falling prey to Ashwin again. Jadeja was the other bowler who troubled the Aussies which his turns. What is reserved for the Indians post tea break?

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02:11pm- Over 16 | Score 46/2 | Smith 27* , Handscomb 8*

Jadeja turning the ball towards off. Maiden. Off for tea break

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02:06pm- Over 15 | Score 46/2 | Smith 27* , Handscomb 8*

Miss! Unlucky for Ashwin to get his third. Smith dropped by Vijay. Reverse sweep and Smith gets another boundary

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02:06pm- Over 14 | Score 40/2 | Smith 22* , Handscomb 7*

Jadeja in. Two off the over

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02:03pm- Over 13 | Score 38/2 | Smith 22* , Handscomb 5*

Ashwin continues with his clever spells. Slowing down their innings.  

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01:57pm- Over 11 | Score 37/2 | Smith 21* , Handscomb 5*

Smith slowly snatching it in their favour. Although the spin problem continues.  

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01:49pm- Over 8 | Score 28/2 | Smith 13* , Handscomb 4*

Is it the talent of the bowlers or is it the pitch that is making the game more and more interesting? Spinners are finally spinning their tale and with massive success. First Keefe and now Ashwin 

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01:47pm- Over 7 | Score 23/2 | Smith 13* , Handscomb 0*

Ashwin-Jadeja duo has an important role to play. If Aussie spin can do it so can the Indians. And with that Ashwin departs Marsh  

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WICKET! Marsh departs with an appeal for LBW

SE Marsh lbw b Ashwin 0 (21b)

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01:44pm- Over 6 | Score 23/1 | Smith 13* , M Marsh 0*

Steps out, pushes it down cover for a four. Smith adding on to Aussie momentum

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01:41pm- Over 5 | Score 19/1 | Smith 9* , M Marsh 0*

Ashwin with the ball. Looking dangerous. Maiden

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01:38pm- Over 4 | Score 19/1 | Smith 9* , M Marsh 0*

Aussies have to stop their own attack on themselves. Smith's presence at crease is of high importance to the visitors

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01:34pm- Over 2 | Score 10/1 | Smith 0* , M Marsh 0*

Jadeja comes in to attack. Maiden

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01:32pm- Over 1 | Score 10/0 | Warner 10* , M Marsh 0*

Can Indians dictate their same story to the Aussies? Openers are in. Warner at crease and Ashwin with his spell. Two runs to start off with. Reverse sweep and a four to Warner. Whacked! Cracking down sqaure-leg and sweeped for a four. And Warner departs. WICKET for Ashwin. LBW

​DA Warner lbw b Ashwin 10 (6b)

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POST LUNCH FOR INDIA: In 24 balls, Aussie left-arm spinner O'Keefe picked up six wickets. He walks off proudly raising his green cap in the air, the star of the session. It all started with Rahul, who was going well, guiding India, until his shoulder injury cost him his wicket. Lyon too played his part. The the 33rd over which saw the dismissal of two more. Finally ending their misery with the departure of Umesh Yadav. Sad end to a confident start. What strategy will Kohli bring in to cease their misery?

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WICKET! Keefe gets his sixth. Umesh departs for 4. Ends Indian tale

UT Yadav c Smith b O'Keefe 4 (11b)

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01:15pm- Over 40 | Score 105/9 | Ishant 2* , Umesh 4*

Lyon comes back. Lucky for Yadav to get that four

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01:12pm- Over 39 | Score 103/9 | Ishant 1* , Umesh 3*

India in serious, serious condition. Never have they looked in such an awe. Just few overs before its over for the home side. Absolute humiliation  

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WICKET! Step out, aiming for a six, Starc in the deep and Keefe gets five-wicket haul

RA Jadeja c Starc b O'Keefe 2 (14b)

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01:07pm- Over 38 | Score 101/8 | Jadeja 2* , Umesh 2*

Lyon on the attack. Two off the over

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01:04pm- Over 37 | Score 99/8 | Jadeja 1* , Umesh 1*

Keefe back in. Appeal for a stump. And yes. Off goes Jayant for just 2. Fourth by Keefe. Fifth in post lunch session

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WICKET! Jayant is the fifth victim to post lunch downfall. Departs for 2

J Yadav st Wade b O'Keefe 2 (10b)

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12:58pm- Over 36 | Score 97/7 | Jadeja 0* , Jayant 2*

Jayant drives the ball towards cover for two runs. Just two off it

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12:51pm- Over 35 | Score 95/7 | Jadeja 0* , Jayant 0*

In the last eight deliveries, one run was scored with the departure of four batsmen. Australians are rejoicing while Indians are shedding tears. Maiden for Keefe

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WICKET! One by one Indians are dropping apart. Ashwin goes back too. Lyon gets him.

R Ashwin c Handscomb b Lyon 1 (4b)

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12:40pm- Over 33 | Score 95/6 | Ashwin 1* , *

Keefe in. Another he strikes this time. Rahul steps out going for the big one and Warner comes in for the catch. Next four deliveries remove Rahane and Saha. Costly over for the Indians.

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WICKET! Third wicket this over. Saha for a duck

WP Saha c Smith b O'Keefe 0 (2b)

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WICKET! Keefe dismisses Rahane too. Goes back for just 13

AM Rahane c Handscomb b O'Keefe 13 (55b)

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WICKET! Poor selection of shot, goes for the big one and Warner there to catch it. Rahul departs for 64

KL Rahul c Warner b O'Keefe 64 (97b)

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12:37pm- Over 32 | Score 94/3 | Rahane 13* , Rahul 64*

Lyon going round the wicket to Rahul. The duo completes 50-runs stand in 101 deliveries. Clever turn of ball by Lyon, edges the gloves, in air but way above fielder. One off it.

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12:33pm- Over 31 | Score 93/3 | Rahane 13* , Rahul 63*

Wonderful cover drive to Starc's delivery and Rahul with yet another four. Rahul is standing strong at the crease now.  

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12:29pm- Over 30 | Score 88/3 | Rahane 13* , Rahul 58*

Lyon on the attack. Rahane on strike. Maiden

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12:24pm- Over 29 | Score 88/3 | Rahane 13* , Rahul 58*

Outside edge, slashed way off gully and all the way for a boundary. Well played by Rahul. Another tempting delivery by Starc. Sliced to the boundary. Rahul is brewing with confidence. Good delivery to end it, eight off the over.

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12:20pm- Over 28 | Score 80/3 | Rahane 13* , Rahul 50*

Single by Rahane and Rahul, roating strikes. Rahul on 49*, and with that single he gets his second Test fifty. Much needed score to boost up confidence

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12:17pm- Over 27 | Score77/3 | Rahane 12* , Rahul 48*

Starc back on. Its kinda commendable as to the manner in which Smith is using his bowlers. Rahul takes a single, marching to his half-century. Rahane utilises the bounce to play an upper cut. Alas! It was just for a two. Three off the over

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12:15pm- Over 26 | Score74/3 | Rahane 10* , Rahul 47*

Keefe starts off after lunch. Well timed and well placed. Rahane sliced it to the boundary through point. Four off it

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POST LUNCH: Will India be able to turn the game on their side or will Australian dominance in first half continue to the second session?

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Encouraging partnership building up between Rahul and Rahane, but first session clearly Australia's, with Starc and Hazlewood quite superb — Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) February 24, 2017

LUNCH: Ashwin dismissed Aussies in just five balls and thus starts Insia's innings. With much hope, the openers stepped in. Rahul and Vijay looked confident in the initial overs until Hazlewood striked to dismiss Vijay. Minutes later Starc came in to send back Pujara and Kohli back to the pavilion. The much-awaited rivalry took just seconds to conclude and Aussies were on seventh heaven. Rahul continued with his timely strokes with Rahane on his side. Will India take their score past 260 or Aussie pace duo crumble the home side?  

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At Lunch on Day 2 of the 1st Test, India are 70/3,trail Australia (260) by 190 runs. Follow the game here - https://t.co/Px6Gu2Qz1R #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/OyioG2bKNn — BCCI (@BCCI) February 24, 2017

11:30am- Over 25 | Score70/3 | Rahane 6* , Rahul 47*

Hazlewood to Rahul. Home fans cheering RAHUL out loud. Off course, he is the hope now along with Rahane. A maiden again. Off for lunch

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11:26am- Over 24 | Score70/3 | Rahane 6* , Rahul 47*

Keefe spinning his way. Looking better in this over. Maiden

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11:25am- Over 23 | Score70/3 | Rahane 6* , Rahul 47*

Rahul is three short off his second half-century. A single from Rahane bring Rahul on strike. Just one off Hazlewood's over

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11:19am- Over 22 | Score69/3 | Rahane 5* , Rahul 47*

Keefe returns. Signs of fire in the stands, officials trying to extinguish it. A much neede partnership is required off the two. Must hold on to the crease to go till 260 and more.  Four off it

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11:15am- Over 21 | Score65/3 | Rahane 3* , Rahul 45*

Rahul welcomes Hazlewood with an amazing cover drive. Boundary to start off with. Rahul seems to enjoy Hazlewood's delivery. Five off the over

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11:10am- Over 20 | Score60/3 | Rahane 3* , Rahul 40*

Lyon initiates giving away a single. Two off the over

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11:07am- Over 19 | Score58/3 | Rahane 2* , Rahul 39*

Starc on the attack. Going for over the wicket. Beautifully timed cover drive by Rahul. Down cover and Rahul pushes it to the boundary. Rahul is slowly building confidence.  

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11:02am- Over 18 | Score50/3 | Rahane 1* , Rahul 33*

Little anxietyy from the home side now. At this pace, 260 seems a long way to go. India might even topple down before that. But Rahul is still there. Reverse sweep to Lyon as off it goes for a four past point.

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10:57am- Over 17 | Score45/3 | Rahane 0* , Rahul 29*

Starc looking confident as ever. Dismissing the skipper for a duck, he is having the day of his life. Rahul, although is leaving the off-side balls alone. Not going for the strokes. Maiden to the pacer

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Pujara & Kohli snuffed out by Starc. India tottering, which is unusual situation this season. Remaining players have to show steel & mettle — Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) February 24, 2017

10:55am- Over 16 | Score45/3 | Rahane 0* , Rahul 29*

Lyon on the attack. Indians looking absolutely awry. Just one off it

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10:51am- Over 15 | Score44/3 | Rahane 0* , Rahul 28*

Starc comes back. Wonder bouncer, touches his gloves and Wade is the man behind to take it. Sad for Pujara to depart so early. Virat Kohli walks in. The long-awaited rivalry is now on. And it ends too. In three balls, Strac sends back Indian's hope. Kohli went for that wide ball and Smith catches it. Sweet revenge for Smith too. Costly over for the home side

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WICKET! Virat Kohli departs. Absolute shocker. Tried chasing the wide ball and gets caught behind.

V Kohli c Smith b Starc 0 (2b)

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WICKET! Bouncer, edged and off goes Pujara. Pujara departs for a minimal 6

CA Pujara c Wade b Starc 6 (23b)

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10:42am- Over 14 | Score44/1 | Pujara 6* , Rahul 28*

Lyon on the attack. That was different! Places the pball towards leg and the batsman pushes it off towards cover for a boundary

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10:38am- Over 13 | Score42/1 | Pujara 5* , Rahul 27*

Hazlewood is not leaving that off stump strategy. Gets a maiden.

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10:35am- Over 12 | Score42/1 | Pujara 5* , Rahul 27*

Lyon too brought in. Superb! Rahul building up on momentum. Drives Lyon's delivery down cover. for a four. Just that four off it.  

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10:31am- Over 11 | Score38/1 | Pujara 5* , Rahul 23*

Pujara to Hazlewood. Wonderful four, travels wide off square leg.  

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10:26am- Over 10 | Score34/1 | Pujara 0* , Rahul 23*

Pujara opens up his account with a single. SIX! Whacks it for a straight shot, out of nowhere. Beauty by Rahul. He needs medical attention. Cramped up his left shoulder.
They return after a drinks break. Two dot balls

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10:19am- Over 9 | Score27/1 | Pujara 0* , Rahul 17*

Hazlewood in. His spells are looking a bit troubling. All outside off stump, tempting the batsman to strike it. Maiden for the pacer.

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10:16am- Over 8 | Score27/1 | Pujara 0* , Rahul 17*

Keefe on the attack.Bad news for the Indians- Rahul seems unwell. Probably stomach upset. Just one off the over

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10:13am- Over 7 | Score26/1 | Pujara 0* , Rahul 16*

Hazlewood brought in. Starts off giving away a run. Smith makes a little change in the fielding positions. Vijay is the man to depart. Unfortunate for the Indians and fortunate for Hazlewood and for the Aussies. Outside off stump, edge and caught by Wade. Typical Hazlewood deliver.

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WICKET! Vijay becomes the first victim and striker, Hazlewood. Departs for just 10 runs 

M Vijay c Wade b Hazlewood 10 (19b)

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10:07am- Over 6 | Score25/0 | Vijay 10* , Rahul 15*

Mid-off brought in closer for Rahul. Singles is the strategy. Four off the over

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10:04am- Over 5 | Score21/0 | Vijay 8* , Rahul 13*

Starc putting it wide off the off stump, truing to set up Viajy. Hammering the opener with similar spells. Finally Vijay gets the better of Starc. Sends a boundary down fine leg

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09:58am- Over 4 | Score16/0 | Vijay 3* , Rahul 13*

Keefe with the ball. India picking up singles, rotating strikes. Another scintilating shot! Rahul plays it late and off for a four down fine leg.

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09:55am- Over 3 | Score11/0 | Vijay 2* , Rahul 9*

Starc back on. Beauty! Absolutely stunning! Starc placed it outside off stump and Rahul sends it to the boundary down cover. Starc showing variations in his deliveries. Just that four off the over

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09:50am- Over 2 | Score 7/0 | Vijay 2* , Rahul 5*

Who will the second bowler? And it is O'Keefe. Same strategy as Kohli. Single to start off with. Rahul handling things with patience. Two off the over

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09:47am- Over 1 | Score 5/0 | Vijay 1* , Rahul 4*

For the Indians, it is Murali Vijay and KL Rahul at crease and for the Aussie it is Mitchell Starc. First ball to Vijay and a quick single comes off his bat. Starc is looking dangerous as ever, trying to swing in the new ball to trouble Rahul. Starc puts it off the leg side and Rahul pushes it down square-leg for a boundary. Four for India. Five off the over  

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India's opening partnership hasnt performed consistently this season. Big call on M Vijay and Rahul after quick end to Aus innings today — Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) February 24, 2017

Over 94.5 | Score 260/10 | Starc 61 , Hazlewood 1*

Ashwin starts off day 2 and Starc too hits off a boundary , but finally he departs putting an end to Aussie innings. Goes for a slog-sweep, but Jadeja comfortably picks it up at mid-wicket.First over and that's it for the visitors

MA Starc c Jadeja b Ashwin 61 (63b)

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Australia were wobbling at 205/9 at one stage, but Starc, along with Josh Hazlewood (1*) fought back hard to put some more runs on board. Indian bowlers would want to get rid of this pair as soon as possible on Day 2.

The other highlight of Day 1 was Matthew Renshaw leaving the field after David Warner's dismissal. The left-hander later explained how he had to rush off the field due to a stomach bug.

On a pitch that could be termed a rank turner, it was fast bowler Umesh, who showed exemplary skills with the old ball, returning with figures of 4/32 in 12 overs reducing Australia to 205 for nine before Starc staged a recovery with a ferocious counter-attack.

Starc used his long handle to good effect as he blasted the second new ball getting five fours and three sixes in his unbeaten 57 off 58 balls.

Enroute to his ninth half-century in Tests, Starc also completed 1000 runs in the longest format.

Along with Josh Hazlewood (1 batting), he added 55 runs for the unbroken 10th wicket giving the team's total more than a semblance of respectability considering the conditions that they batted on.

Among the top-order, it was young left-handed opener Matt Renshaw (68 off 156 balls), who showed technique as well as temperament despite a stomach bug that forced him to retire at the fall of David Warner's (38) wicket.

Opting to bat, Australian openers Warner and Renshaw tackled the spinners well, especially Ravichandran Ashwin (2/59 in 34 overs), who not only got the ball to turn big and but also bowled tight lines.

From Sunil Gavaskar to Shane Warne, everyone said that the first-day track was extremely difficult to bat on and Starc's innings ensured that Australia reached close to 275-run mark -- considered a par score on this track which is expected to get worse by the day.