King Kohli notches his 30th century and with Jaiswal sets up Australia’s nightmare start to Summer. – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE. (eLanka Sports Editor)
Australia are on the ropes as India hovers over them and readies itself to deliver the knock-out blow at a stunning boilover in Perth.
Centuries from new sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal, 161 off 297 balls, and a adventurous 30th Test hundred from veteran Virat Kholi 100 off 143 balls, delivered the killer blow to any aspirations of an Australian comeback which was further endorsed by India’s bowlers who left the home team in tatters at 3 for 12 by the close of day two.
Jasprit Bumrah who has been almost unplayable followed his bag of 5 for 30 in the first innings, and two quick wickets in the second, stands out as the player who will determine Australia’s fate and whether they have worked out a counter to his, speed accuracy and variation.
India declared at a mammoth 487 for six, a lead of 533, certainly batting Australia out of the game.
What is more evident is that India was quick to correct their first innings batting debacle while the Aussies are still batting flat-footed on a tricky Perth track.
Jaiswal and Kholi showed the way on how to negotiate uneven bounce by taking an adventurous approach, and the typical one-day innovative strokeplay paid dividends.
Jaiswal in particular played some outrageous shots against the rising ball, ramp shots over the keeper and slips cordon, slog sweeps and a top edge off Josh Hazelwood for six to bring up his century, leaving the Aussies perplexed.
None of Australia’s tormentors in the first innings were spared as Jaiswal and K.L Rahul went on to record the highest opening partnership of 201 against Australia.
They sprayed all Australia’s bowlers except for Hazelwood who was at his usual attacking and economical best.
Australia’s best laid plans were laid bare as the Indians hatched a perfect answer to counter attack, on a pitch that usually brings most teams undone.
With three days left, and a definite outcome on the cards, Australia’s resolve and renowned fighting spirit will be tested to the hilt as the Indians move in for the kill.
Indications so far suggest that Australia’s batters need a mental reset and adopt an Indian style chase throwing caution to the wind in a make or break effort. Defence and extra caution will not cut it.
