After a solid opening day, overnight batters Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne started the next morning cautiously, playing watchfully against the Indian pacers.
However, McSweeney’s stay was brief, thanks to a brilliant delivery from Jasprit Bumrah in the morning spell.
With Steve Smith joining Labuschagne at the crease for the third-wicket partnership, the Aussies aimed to build a strong foundation. But Bumrah had other ideas, dismissing the former Australian captain for a low score.
The first ball of the 41st over saw Bumrah come over the wicket and bowl a good-length delivery on the leg stump line. Smith shuffled across to flick it, but he got a faint inside edge, sending the ball through to the keeper.
Cometh the hour, cometh the man! 🙌#JaspritBumrah strikes again & #SteveSmith gets caught behind by #RishabhPant! ☝#AUSvINDOnStar 2nd Test, Day 2 👉 LIVE NOW! #AUSvIND | #ToughestRivalry pic.twitter.com/ucdhgSbW6q
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 7, 2024
Rishabh Pant, diving to his left, took a superb catch to send Smith packing. The Australian batter, who is currently going through a tough patch, appeared visibly distraught, and the Twitterverse speculated that he was almost in tears.