On a pitch that been a batsman’s friend so far, a rarity in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australia won a crucial toss and put on a fine show. Usman Khawaja, with his third half-century of the series, and captain Steve Smith went through the afternoon session unscathed, keeping at bay 238 balls in total.
Earlier, Head and Usman Khawaja punished India’s waywardness and brought up the highest opening partnership for Australia in the series. With little turn on offer, R Ashwin bowled tight lines and mixed his pace up in a bid to build pressure and elicit a false shot as a result.
With the flow of runs being stemmed, Head tried to take on Ashwin but ended up toe-edging a loft to mid on. One brought two as Mohammad Shami was brought in for a second spell and struck with his second ball, having Marnus Labuschagne chopping on.
Ashwin and Shami bowled six maiden overs between them to contain the runs in the second hour as India clawed back into the contest.
Australia dominate the second session 👏#WTC23 | #INDvAUS | 📝 https://t.co/VJoLfVSeIF pic.twitter.com/nb8zqrtbfb
— ICC (@ICC) March 9, 2023
