Australia scored 263 runs in their innings, and given the expected deterioration of the wicket as the game progresses, it seems they have a good chance to defend their total. Despite an early loss of Warner, Khawaja and Labuschagne put up a strong resistance until Ashwin dismissed Labuschagne and Smith in the same over, leaving Australia at three-down at lunch.
After the break, Shami took out Head, but a partnership between Handscomb and Khawaja developed before Khawaja was caught by KL Rahul for a score of 81. Carey didn’t last long, but Handscomb found a reliable partner in Cummins, and they added 59 for the 7th wicket before Jadeja claimed two wickets in one over.
Handscomb and Lyon handled the spinners confidently, and India didn’t give Ashwin a bowl after tea, easing the pressure on Australia. With just nine overs left in the day, India had to negotiate carefully. The innings was anchored by the outstanding defence of Khawaja and Handscomb, who played the right strokes at the right time.
Shami returned to claim the last two wickets after Jadeja’s no-ball denied him a wicket when he had Handscomb on the ropes. On the second ball of the 75th over, Mohammad Shami clean bowled Nathan Lyon. While celebrating the wicket with his Indian teammates, R Ashwin came from behind and twisted Shami’s ear. Shami could be seen screaming in pain due to the ear twist.
Meanwhile, when this funny moment is shown on the big screen present on the field, even Ashwin can’t control his laughter and starts chuckling. It should be noted that Australia had won the toss and decided to bat first. The Australian team included Travis Head in the playing eleven in place of injured Marcus Harris, while Matt Renshaw is making his debut for them.
