Ashish Ranjan
WTC Final Day 2 Highlights: Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill got India off to a good start, but India lost their first five wickets in rapid succession in the second half of Day 2. They ended the day on 151/5, 318 runs behind Australia, and 118 runs short of averting a follow-on. Each of Australia’s five bowlers claimed a wicket.
The 71-run partnership between Ajinkya Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja for the fifth wicket greatly boosted India’s chances. Jadeja was dismissed by Lyon for 48 runs off 51 balls, while Rahane remained unbeaten at stumps with 29 runs off 71 balls and KS Bharat at the other end. Previously, centuries from Travis Head and Steve Smith brought Australia’s total to 469.
After taking only three wickets on the first day, India made a strong comeback on Day 2, with Mohammed Siraj’s four-wicket haul heading the way. After Alex Carey’s swift 48 helped Australia surpass the 450-run mark, India made sure the opposition’s tail didn’t sway excessively.
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It was Australia’s day here in every way. India is still 118 runs away from averting a follow-on, which appears to be an insurmountable obstacle at the moment. Even after sustaining a strike to his finger, Ajinkya Rahane has exhibited a resolute approach to practice. He is on 29 off 71, while KS Bharat is on five off 14. Today, five Australians bowled, and each of them took a wicket.
