India vs Australia, Highlights, 2nd Test at Perth, Day 1, Full Cricket Score: Hosts reach 277/6 at stumps

Loud shout from Bumrah to end the day but seemed like a bottom edge that saved Tim Paine. Australia finish with 277-6 and the match hangs in balance after this first day’s play. India just about fought back after the morning session and haven’t let them get away.

Close of play – Day 1

Another see-saw day of cricket. Pretty good for an inaugural day of Test cricket at the new Perth. Nothing like our good ole WACA, but the drop in pitch has offered enough to be interested about. 

Runs on offer. Nice carry, slightly uneven bounce that keeps both the batsmen on their toes and bowlers interested.

That rip-snoter from Bumrah to Tim Paine with the second new ball will remain in memory for a long, long time. Forget Tim Paine, I might have nightmare of it. However, the Australian captain survived that delivery and remained unbeaten till the end of the day.

India have their task cut out for the second day – which is wipe out the Australian, if possible before 300.

After 90 overs,Australia 277/6 ( Tim Paine (C)(W) 16 , Pat Cummins 11)

That will be stumps on the first day of Test cricket at the new Perth stadium. Cummins is beaten by a probing delivery from Bumrah, tell you what, Cummins did well by not nicking it. Bumrah hits the splice of Cummins’ bat with an attempted yorker that goes wrong. Narrow escape right at the end as Cummins gets some bat before the ball crashes into the pads. Replays confirm it was the bottom edge. Good start for the second Test, with 277/6 on board Australia will be marginally happy.

After 89 overs,Australia 277/6 ( Tim Paine (C)(W) 16 , Pat Cummins 11)

Cummins has shown good resolute with the bat once again. He collects three runs off the bat off the penultimate over of the day. Umpire Dharmasena calls Shami’s short ball wide for height. Five coming off it.

After 88 overs,Australia 272/6 ( Tim Paine (C)(W) 15 , Pat Cummins 8)

Cummins with delectable push through mid wicket for three and Paine pulls Bumrah from over his head for only a single. Didn’t catch it in the middle. Four runs off it. Couple of overs to remaining in the day.

Australia are very close to squandering a good start. While the Indian bowlers have bounced back, the Australian batsmen have been guilty of poor shot selection. Haris went for a cut and was caught behind and so did Shaun Marsh, giving away wicket to part-time spinner Hanuma Vihari. Finch played across the line and was trapped LBW, Handscomb, Khawaja and Head all went for a slash outside off and were faltered. All six wickets thrown away. Paine needs to stabilise now.

After 87 overs,Australia 268/6 ( Tim Paine (C)(W) 14 , Pat Cummins 6)
 

Paine is solid in defence after Cummins turns the strike to his skipper. Only a single off Umesh’s over.

Umesh Yadav continues

After 86 overs,Australia 267/6 ( Tim Paine (C)(W) 14 , Pat Cummins 5)

Bumrah bowls a toe crusher to Cummins and there is a stifled appeal for leg before. Not given and no review taken. Was sliding down the leg side. Three singles off the over, which comprised once again some absolute peach that went past the edge. Bumrah right at the fag end of the day still clocking over 145.

After 85 overs,Australia 264/6 ( Tim Paine (C)(W) 13 , Pat Cummins 3)

Umesh Yadav comes back into attack and concedes seven runs. A double and single for Cummins and then a four off a beautiful drive for Piane. Meanwhile, Ishant Sharma is sitting at the sideline, was seen stretching a little bit.

FOUR! Paine creams Yadav for a four. Plays it backward square leg.

Umesh Yadav comes into attack to replace Ishant Sharma, who is sitting outside at the moment. Ishant is not looking fully comfortable, stretching out a little bit. Looks like another side strain issue.

After 84 overs,Australia 257/6 ( Tim Paine (C)(W) 9 , Pat Cummins 0)

Bumrah with couple of unplayable deliveries to Tim Paine. Absolute corkers. Vicious stuff. It was straight full and fast, which was bowled on a good length, perhaps hit one of those cracks, square Paine up completely, rose over the off stump and kept climbing it took a leaping Pant with the big gloves to stop the ball. Mind you he was off the ground by a good feet or two. The Australian skiper missed out a scoring opportunity off a full toss bowled early in the over.

Jasprit Bumrah is back into the attack

After 83 overs,Australia 251/6 ( Tim Paine (C)(W) 7 , Pat Cummins 0)

Ishant Sharma gets a crucial wicket of Travis Head, albeit with a loose delivery, off the first ball with the second new ball. Head completely lost well his head there holding out to third man isn’t acceptable, especially after scroing 58. Pat Cummins come to the middle and stonewalls the remainder of the over.

Thrown away. Travis Head has thrown it all away and India have a foot in the door. The tail, for what it’s worth, has been exposed. Of course, they are all sound batsmen but this is a slightly different pitch and maybe India have learnt their lessons from the morning. 

OUT! Head better have an explanation to give when he enters the change room. Full and wide delivery from Ishant, Head goes hard at it and slices it straight to third man. This was suicidal. Ishant and India aren’t complaining. Umpires check for overstepping, should check it every delivery when Ishant is bowling, and he has got something behind the line. He is okay. India can breathe. Australia once again lose another wicket at the wrong time.

Head c Shami b Ishant 58(80)

Ishant Sharma is back into the attack

After 82 overs,Australia 251/5 ( Travis Head 58 , Tim Paine (C)(W) 7)

This is actually the scheduled time for close of play, however we will have make use of the extra half hour with nine overs remaining in the day’s play. Shami has new cherry. He beats Head with some extra bounce as he whizzes past the outside edge of the horiztonatal bat of Head. Shami completes the over with a jaffa to Paine with just enough away movement to beat Paine. One run from the over.

New ball has been taken.

After 81 overs,Australia 250/5 ( Travis Head 57 , Tim Paine (C)(W) 7)
 

Called it early and called it wrong as Kohli surprises with not opting for the new ball as Vihari continues. Sunil Gavaskar on air says he bowls those deliveries that might tempt batsmen into playing false strokes. And right on cue, Paine almost ends up pulling it to slightly wide mid on fielder. A boundary for Paine off a full toss as Australia take six runs off the over

After 80 overs,Australia 244/5 ( Travis Head 56 , Tim Paine (C)(W) 2)

Six runs off Shami’s over with Head pouncing on the last delivery to stroke a boundary. Australia approach the 250-run mark.

FOUR! Head stands on his toes, get on the top of the ball and hacks it over gully for a boundary to third man. Up and over!

Tim Paine’s batting average in Tests:

1st innings : 40.69

2nd innings : 31.44

After 79 overs,Australia 238/5 ( Travis Head 51 , Tim Paine (C)(W) 1)

Paine is unable to get it past the point fielder in three attempts. Only a single off the first ball from Head comes off the over, which will be perhaps Vihari’s last over of the innings. Job well done – 13 overs, 2 for 47.

After 78 overs,Australia 237/5 ( Travis Head 50 , Tim Paine (C)(W) 1)

Five runs off the over from Vihari. Good running between the Australian pair to take the single off the last ball.  Paine gets his innings underway as well.

Shot from Travis Head. Cut away nicely. Two partnerships have hurt India this day, the morning one and now this. Australia will have their eyes on 300 from here, minimum.

FIFTY! That’s another battling half-century by Travis Head. His third in Test cricket, notching his second in this series. Gets there with a quick single to cover point. Very crucial knock.

After 77 overs,Australia 232/5 ( Travis Head 46 , )
 

Tim Paine will walk about just a couple of overs before the new ball will be able to India’s disposal. Australia have lost half of their side. They wouldn’t want their tail to be exposed against the red Kookaburra. Vihari will a crucial breakthrough. Marsh added 21 to his total after being put down by Pant.

OUT! That is fourth batsmen out while attempting slash the ball. Absolutely flew off Shaun Marsh’s bat but one of the safest pairs in the slip, Ajinkya Rahane gobbles it neatly. Almost at shoulder height. Great reaction grab. Awful time for Australia to lose a wicket.

Shaun Marsh c Rahane b Hanuma Vihari 45(98)

After 76 overs,Australia 227/4 ( Shaun Marsh 44 , Travis Head 42)

As a stop gap option Virat Kohli turns to the part time spin of Murali Vijay to keep his pacers fresh for the burst with the second new ball. Marsh and Head recognize that and make use of the scoring opportunities on offer. Take nine, thanks to couple of boundaries from Marsh in the over.

FOUR! Quality stroke from Marsh. Makes good use of his feet, gets to the pitch of the ball and pounds it past mid on

Shot from Travis Head. Cut away nicely. Two partnerships have hurt India this day, the morning one and now this. Australia will have their eyes on 300 from here, minimum.

FOUR! Into Marsh’s body and not the best of the lengths either. Marsh forces through midwicket to collect a boundary.

Murali Vijay into the attack for the first time

After 75 overs,Australia 217/4 ( Shaun Marsh 35 , Travis Head 41)

Cries of ‘catch’ as Head cuts it backward point. It bounces safely ahead of the fielder. Head earns the boundary with very fine slice, the only scoring shot of the over. Second new ball is five overs away.

FOUR! Very good cut shot that by Travis Head. His initial movement was to come forward sees the length that is pretty shot, goes back and slices it well past short third and point fielder

After 74 overs,Australia 213/4 ( Shaun Marsh 35 , Travis Head 37)

Ishant Sharma continues. Maintaining tight lines here Ishant but nothing that rings alarms for Marsh. Maiden over.

After 73 overs,Australia 213/4 ( Shaun Marsh 35 , Travis Head 37)

Vihari continues after drinks. Into his 10th over now. Starts off with a couple of singles. Loud appeal for lbw from Ajinkya Rahane from first slip as Marsh kicks the ball away without offering a shot. No interest shown from Pant or the bowler Vihari. Was outside the off stump. No danger.

After 72 overs,Australia 210/4 ( Shaun Marsh 33 , Travis Head 36)

Jadeja is here! Only if substitute fielders were allowed to bowl. However, he presence in the field is always a danger for batsmen. Marsh is lucky that his inside edge while playing the cover drive didn’t trickle back on his wickets. Three off the over. Time for a breather as players grab a drink. Australia’s hour!

Ishant Sharma back into the attack

After 71 overs,Australia 207/4 ( Shaun Marsh 32 , Travis Head 34)

Change in strategy from Head. Head has started to use his feet to the spinner, rather than hanging back and play the horitzontal shots. Making the bowler alter his length. Six more from the over.

Catches dropped in this series so far:

India – 4

Australia – 0

FOUR! Head advances down the pitch once again and whips it past mid wicket for a boundary. Was in the air for a while.

After 70 overs,Australia 201/4 ( Shaun Marsh 31 , Travis Head 29)

Shami continues. The ball soar with either batsmen or Rishabh jumping. Marsh ducks under one, gets top of another one and sees out a maiden from Shami. The second new ball is now 10 overs away and by that we will approaching towards the end of the first day’s play. Interesting last hour coming up.

After 69 overs,Australia 201/4 ( Shaun Marsh 31 , Travis Head 29)

Three runs off Vihari’s over as Marsh and Head take Australia past the 200-run mark. The duo has countered a penetrative Indian attack with some confident batting

Pant drops Marsh on 24*. Regulation catch for the keeper and he has spilled it. Won’t be talking too much after that. Vihari unlucky!

After 68 overs,Australia 198/4 ( Shaun Marsh 30 , Travis Head 27)

Another over that costs six runs as the duo raise their 50-run partnership. Valuable runs these. Shami deliveries a very good over that has Head in some bother.

FOUR! Head gets a thick outside edge past gully for a boundary. Shami almost squared him up there.

After 67 overs,Australia 192/4 ( Shaun Marsh 29 , Travis Head 22)

Couple of singles and boundary to end the over, but Pant’s drop catch is big let off from India’s perspective.

FOUR! Full delivery and Marsh hammers it hard on to the pitch and it goes over the bowler and runs straight down to the straight boundary.

waiting to hear pant's assessment of his dropped catch on the stump mic #AUSvIND

— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) December 14, 2018

DROPPED! In and out off Pant’s gloves. Oh dear! How big will this cost? Marsh sees the short ball and goes for a wild cut, again an expansive slash with touch of extra bounce that takes the edge. The ball didn’t change its trajectory, this one is on Pant. Reprieve for Marsh on 24.

After 66 overs,Australia 186/4 ( Shaun Marsh 24 , Travis Head 21)

Good bumper from Shami and an excellent one hand take from wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant. Umpire called it a wide. An inside edge from Head gave the batsman two runs. Shami ends with a delightful delivery that beats Head. Three off it.

Mohammed Shami is back on

After 65 overs,Australia 183/4 ( Shaun Marsh 24 , Travis Head 19)

Quiet over from Vihari, only a single off it. Partnership already worth 35. Australia would hope it carries on till the end of the day.

After 64 overs,Australia 182/4 ( Shaun Marsh 24 , Travis Head 18)

Bumrah in his 18th over, still clocking close to 145. Bangs one that takes off from the surface. Marsh takes his eyes off the ball and ducks, luckily for him the ball goes over his head. Yes, Bumrah is bowling well, but you need high skills to ensure you guard your wicket and Marsh has been able to do that so far. He will have to wait for the bowlers to tire down and wait for right opportunities. Bumrah slips in a full delivery just to check Marsh’s front foot, well, its working fine. Maiden.

After 63 overs,Australia 182/4 ( Shaun Marsh 24 , Travis Head 18)

We get to see a proper forward defence hasn’t it been rare today? Vihari finally pitched one up, that sees Marsh getting his stride out. The length is been either short or at best back of a length. Two runs from the over.

Partnership worth 30 off 45 balls. Marsh and Head have taken their time and not let India get on top after that last wicket. Ishant Sharma looked sharper in his last spell. Perhaps another effort like that before stumps. Quite a few overs to go still. 28 more. Over rate hasn’t been too good.

After 62 overs,Australia 180/4 ( Shaun Marsh 23 , Travis Head 17)

Bumrah continues to bowl in mid 140s and is threatening to pick a wicket almost every delivery. Head clips a full ball for two and then rotates the strike with a single to mid wicket. Hint of risk involved in Head’s batting.

India must get Marsh early as he averages 47.58 in team’s first innings while in the second innings, his average is 20.14.

After 61 overs,Australia 177/4 ( Shaun Marsh 23 , Travis Head 14)

Loose balls were tapped to sweeper cover for singles at the start of the over and then one that climbs a touch takes the thick edge to third man boundary. Six runs coming off the over.

FOUR! Edged…and away from the slip fielder. Was not a great delivery short and wide from Vihari and Marsh looks to scythe it past point, maybe there was some extra bounce that took the edge and it flies to third man boundary.

~Shami~ Hanuma Vihari is back into the attack.

After 60 overs,Australia 171/4 ( Shaun Marsh 18 , Travis Head 13)

The play has been pretty intense in this session compared to the two we have had since the morning and it makes for great viewing. Bumrah delivers a top over beating Head and riling him up with a well-targetted short ball on his body. Only one run comes off it.

Jasprit Bumrah replaces Umesh Yadav. Round the stumps.

After 59 overs,Australia 170/4 ( Shaun Marsh 17 , Travis Head 13)

Ishant goes past Head’s outside edge off the first ball, follows it up bowling in the similar channel, but this Head is more alert, uses the depth of the crease to guide it past gully for a brace to third man. Pushes the fifth ball for a single to extra cover. We can see Shami warming up in the background. Marsh will retain the strike with single on the legside of the final ball.

After 58 overs,Australia 166/4 ( Shaun Marsh 16 , Travis Head 10)
 

Is it the pitch, is it bowlers? I reckon the latter or perhaps a bit of both. There is life in the surface, no doubt. Yes the odd one stays low but have many deliveries rising and climbing even after it passes the batsmen. Umesh pays the price for bowling short of length constantly.

FOUR! Did the short ball a little too much. Umesh kept holding it back, missed his lineand Marsh pulls it powerfully to mid wicket fence.

With the wicket of Handscomb, Ishant Sharma has now gone past Joel Garner (259) and Jason Gillespie (259) in the list of bowlers taking most wickets in Tests.

After 57 overs,Australia 162/4 ( Shaun Marsh 12 , Travis Head 10)

Ishant has a chip over Travis Head after that sharp bouncer in Adelaide and he is leaving no stone unturned to get inside his mind as he enganges in a *coughs* friendly chat, after the batsman was missed out while trying to cut. Five dots after the boundary off the first ball.

FOUR! On the pads from Ishant and Head gets inside the line of the ball and works it off his hips to long leg boundary.

After 56 overs,Australia 158/4 ( Shaun Marsh 12 , Travis Head 6)

Marsh holds the key here for Australia. Most experienced batsmen out their for the home side. He will be taking a lot of confidence from the 60 he got in Adelaide but he needs to ensure Marcus Harris’ solid 70 doesn’t go in vain. Five off the over.

FOUR! Width on offer from Umesh and Shaun Marsh isn’t missing out on that. Gets into the position to unleash the cut rather quickly and executes it to perfection

Handscomb cutting too close to his body and Kohli with a timely jump to pull off a stupendous catch. One way to look at this is Australia are throwing their super start away. The other way, and which is the general consensus here, is that India will still rue their poor start because this pitch is becoming quicker and quicker, and Australia have good runs on the board.

After 55 overs,Australia 153/4 ( Shaun Marsh 8 , Travis Head 5)

Suddenly Indian pacers have their tails up. Don’t know what they had for lunch and now during the Tea break. Not sure what they have been told, whatever it is, they need to do it more often. Bowling with a lot vigor. Ishant almost had two-in-two balls there. Hold on folks, we are in for a fiery session.

FOUR! Lifter from Ishant to Travis Head! Reminiscent to the snoter that got Head in the second innings at Adelaide. Head was hopping in his crease, trying to fend, perhaps just brushed the gloves, onto his shoulder and over slips. Four to third man! Ishant has his tail up.

OUT! Another batsman out slashing! Virat Kohli at second slip pulls off a breathtaking catch, Handscomb rocks back and was looking to cut hard at it. The ball was rising and going across the second slip as the Indian skipper flays his right hand and plucks it out of nowhere. What a start to the final session!
 

Handscomb c Kohli b Ishant 7(16)

After 54 overs,Australia 148/3 ( Shaun Marsh 8 , Peter Handscomb 7)

Handscomb strokes it through the offside for a couple to get the last session underway. Turns the strike off the next ball. The odd ball stays low as Pant collects it on teh second bounce.

Australia added 66 for no loss in the morning session, the middle session went India’s way, nicely set up for the final session of first day. Who will come out on top?

Here’s Umesh steaming in.

Bumrah the stand out bowler for India in that second session. He created pressure that helped them pull things back with 3 wickets for 22 runs. Australia still only have 145 runs on the board and with their batting frailties, India would do well to not throw their hard work away. Intriguing final session coming up!

Oh, that delivery jumped on Harris! Hanuma Vihari might surprise everybody with his off-spin if he can get such bounce and some turn https://t.co/sG2MzKJj8j

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) December 14, 2018

After 53 overs,Australia 145/3 ( Shaun Marsh 8 , Peter Handscomb 4)

Tea!

Moments before tea, Bumrah comes back, replacing Vihari. Kohli wanted one more before going for another break. Easily, this one is India’s session after the awful start in the morning. Three wickets in the session for the visitors, who got rid of the well-settled Finch, Harris and Khawaja. Australia on a look out for another partnership and India for the remaining seven wickets. We will resume again in about 20 minutes.

Bumrah back into the attack.

Ishant Sharma from round the wicket?

Shaun Marsh has been out five times in 2018 to the ball swinging away from him, averaging 17.20 against those deliveries. If India can get a bit of shape across him, then Marsh'll be in trouble. #AUSvIND

— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) December 14, 2018

After 52 overs,Australia 145/3 ( Shaun Marsh 8 , Peter Handscomb 4)

Will be interesting to know what cue was given to the other batsmen by Finch and Harris as Handscomb is trying to play every ball he should leave and vice-versa. The last ball, shaped in late, almost disturbed the top of off stump.

Umesh continues.

After 51 overs,Australia 142/3 ( Shaun Marsh 5 , Peter Handscomb 4)

Kohli sticks with Vihari from the other end. The Indian captain needs to bowl some quick overs as well to make sure that the over-rate is not affected. Vihari has done a good job with the ball so far.

Vihari gets another go.

After 50 overs,Australia 142/3 ( Shaun Marsh 5 , Peter Handscomb 4)

What else did Indian bowlers want? Two new batsmen in the middle, looking shaky at the moment. India should not throw way the momentum they have got here. Don’t think Vihari should get another go now. He might release the pressure that he only put on the hosts after taking the wicket.

Test victims of Hanuma Vihari:

Joe Root, Alastair Cook, Sam Curran and Marcus Harris.

Umesh continues.

After 49 overs,Australia 135/3 ( Shaun Marsh 1 , Peter Handscomb 1)

India back in the game after Harris’ departure. However, the way he got out must have brought smile on the face of Nathan Lyon, The bounce in the pitch suggests that spinners can make merry here too. India have pulled back things and how.

Khawaja was out playing exactly the same shot as Harris when he was dropped. Big difference that it went to keeper instead. That’s two dismissals for Khawaja in successive innings off false shots. Not the ideal shot selection for someone Ricky Ponting said will have more runs than Virat Kohli.

Shaun Marsh has been dismissed by Umesh Yadav eight times in Tests – the most a bowler has dismissed him and also the most times Yadav has dismissed a batsman in Tests.

OUT! Hanuma Vihari gets his fourth Test wicket, short of length but the ball kept on rising after pitching, pushed the batsmen deep into the crease and took the edge, ball flew to Rahane at first slip, who did not make any mistake. Marcus Harris c Rahane b Hanuma Vihari 70(141)

Khawaja was out playing exactly the same shot as Harris when he was dropped. Big difference that it went to keeper instead. That’s two dismissals for Khawaja in successive innings off false shots. Not the ideal shot selection for someone Ricky Ponting said will have more runs than Virat Kohli.

Vihari back on.

After 48 overs,Australia 134/2 ( Marcus Harris 70 , Shaun Marsh 1)

Umesh back in confidence now. using short ball to good effect. Brought one back in to Marsh from good length to hit him in mid-rif region, as the batsman strangely left it.

Gaurav is still miffed about Indian bowlers’ struggle to wipe out the tail

still work to do for india before they can start to struggle to dismiss the lower order #AUSvIND

— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) December 14, 2018

Umesh continues.

After 47 overs,Australia 132/2 ( Marcus Harris 69 , Shaun Marsh 0)

Shami continues as another left-hander joins Harris in the middle. Marsh got some confidence going in the second innings of the first Test and he needs to continue from he left there.

Lot of pressure on Khawaja?

A ‘nothing’ knock by Khwaja who has looked heavily — and needlessly beyond a point — burdened in all three innings this series. India have clawed their way back

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) December 14, 2018

Shami continues.

Shaun Marsh, left handed bat, comes to the crease

After 46 overs,Australia 130/2 ( Marcus Harris 68 , )

Umesh Yadav returns to the attack and gets a wicket straightaway. Khawaja was constantly troubled by Shami and Bumrah. The pressure took a toll on him as he tried a flamboyant shot on the last ball of the over to lose his wicket. Are the gates open?

OUT! This was always on the cards, Umesh Yadav benefits from the pressure created by Bumrah and Shami on Khawaja as he tries to cut the out going ball and edges one into the hands of Pant behind the wickets. Khawaja c Pant b U Yadav 5(38)

And dropped. Last thing India needed today. Rahul has let Harris go for 60 off Shami. Mind you he is standing a couple steps up from where second slip should be. And I am no expert but I don’t know if that helped him or hampered him.

Umesh Yadav returns.

After 45 overs,Australia 127/1 ( Marcus Harris 65 , Usman Khawaja 5)

Shami was furious after the catch drop and why not. He has run in all day to produce that one mistake and the chance has gone down. Rahul, the culprit. Harris has got a wake-up call that he needs to refocus. How costly will that catch be for India in the end?

DROPPED! First for India in this match, Harris tries to cut the ball and it takes the edge, flies to Rahul at second slip who spills it.

Shami continues.

After 44 overs,Australia 122/1 ( Marcus Harris 60 , Usman Khawaja 5)

Bumrah continues troubling Khawaja. With a four-man pace attack, Kohli will have another task of keeping up with over rate. They bowled 26 overs in the first session. Have bowled 18 so far with about 40 minutes to go in this session.

Bumrah continues.

After 43 overs, Australia 121/1 ( Marcus Harris 59 , Usman Khawaja 5)

Shami into the attack now. Khawaja still not settled. The fifth ball hits him in lower part of the stomach. This won’t keep the batsman in good spirits in the middle. This track looks like a completely different one after the arrival of Bumrah in his third spell of the day.

Shami back into the attack.

After 42 overs,Australia 117/1 ( Marcus Harris 58 , Usman Khawaja 2)

The second ball of the over takes off after pitching, taking Khawaja by surprise. Pant jumps almost 3 feet above ground to collect that with one hand. Bumrah is warming up quite a few people here in this spell.

‘Bumrah’ – the partnership breaker for India in this series so far:

Adelaide Test,

1st innings:

33 (Handscomb-Head)

50 (Cummins-Head)

27 (Starc-Head)

2nd innings:

41 (S Marsh-Paine)

31 (Paine-Cummins)

31 (Lyon-Cummins)

Perth Test,

112 (Finch-Harris)

Bumrah continues.

After 41 overs,Australia 115/1 ( Marcus Harris 57 , Usman Khawaja 1)

Ishant finishes a good over. India have pulled things back a bit after bowling some cheap overs. Khawaja looking unsure at the moment in the middle. Ishant finishes a good over. India have pulled things back a bit after bowling some cheap overs. Khawaja looking unsure at the moment in the middle.

Things have slowed down after Finch’s departure. Got to say that Bumrah has bounced back hard after the first spell. He’s bowling great lines and ramping up pace in 140s. Not much swing available but there is good bounce and carry. Harris has looked confident throughout while Khawaja right now looks very cautious. Bumrah needs to build on this pressure and look for another quick wicket.

Ishant continues.

After 40 overs,Australia 114/1 ( Marcus Harris 56 , Usman Khawaja 1)

Another quiet over from Bumrah. He is bowling at good speed. Into 140s at the moment and we all know he can get better and better from here. One more wicket here can pull India right back.

Bumrah continues.

After 39 overs,Australia 114/1 ( Marcus Harris 56 , Usman Khawaja 1)

Two lefties in the middle have made task easier for Ishant who can focus on bowling one line and length. Khawaja had played 10 balls without scoring before Kohli and Pant gave a chance to him to relax with that non-sense throw and even worse backing up.

Khawaja has already faced 10 balls and he is yet to open his account. India could look to work on him because he is a slow starter and takes his time to start scoring some runs. A bit in Pujara mould, perhaps. Point is, India have an opening and they need to work on the new batsman before he gets settled.

Usman Khawaja at home in the second Test match of a series:

20, 53, 97, 64, 4, 56, 144, 121, 23, 7

Ishant continues.

After 38 overs,Australia 112/1 ( Marcus Harris 55 , Usman Khawaja 0)

Khawaja new at the crease. Bumrah bowled some absolute beauties at him from around the wicket, some going away, some shaping in. Think Bumrah is bowling a long spell here.

Bumrah continues.

After 37 overs,Australia 112/1 ( Marcus Harris 55 , Usman Khawaja 0)

Kohli must be a little relieved with fall of Finch’s wicket. He does not wait a minute to bring struggling Ishant into the attack. This is the time for India to pull things back and if Ishant gets his mojo back, this session will come alive.

Ishant back into the attack.

After 36 overs,Australia 112/1 ( Marcus Harris 55 , Usman Khawaja 0)

Bumrah back into the spell and looks like he is back into his groove. Big LBW appeal for Finch on the first ball, umpire turns it down. He comes back with another sharp inswinger which thuds Finch’s pads. This looked out from the word go. Bowls a few rippers to welcome Khawaja at the batting crease. The bite in the bowling is back.

Usman Khawaja, left handed bat, comes to the crease

Wicket!! Yes, you read that right. India have a breakthrough. Bumrah hits the right length, too full, and Finch is gone after missing it. This is what India need to bowl more. Bumrah’s effort pays off. He had started pulling things back and constant pressure has done the trick.

OUT! Bumrah strikes, removes Finch with a fullish in-coming delivery that hits him low on the pads and the umpire raises the finger after a good look. Kohli is pumped, so is the bowler. India get their first wicket. Finch lbw b Bumrah 50(105)

Fifty for Finch too. 100-up for Australia. India in serious trouble here. What a platform this is for Australia. And before you think there is nothing in the pitch, assume that Australia will probably not bowl as poorly as India have.

Bumrah back into the attack.

After 35 overs,Australia 112/0 ( Marcus Harris 55 , Aaron Finch 50)

Spin introduced with Hanuma Vihari, who kept on bowling fullish deliveries. Hit for two boundaries in the over as Aussies continue to score runs quickly in this session. Finch reaches fifty. Aus set for a big score here.

FIFTY up for Finch with a single and this will be a huge relief for Australian dressing room as well as the batsman himself.

FOUR! And another fullish one and Finch yet again steers it, this time through point for a boundary.

FOUR! Fullish and Finch drives it for a boundary through the covers.

Hanuma Vihari, right-arm off break, comes into the attack

After 34 overs,Australia 103/0 ( Marcus Harris 55 , Aaron Finch 41)

Shami teasing Harris outside the off stump. Harris leaves it alone. 100 is up for Aussies. In this session, they have scored runs at a decent run-rate. In just 8 overs, they have scored 37 runs, putting more pressure on visitors.

Australia have only lost six Tests in which they had had a century opening stand at home before today. And since 1996, it has happened only once.

Appreciation from Mitch J!

100 comes up for Australia in 34th over. They continue good work with the bat as Indian pacers struggle to pick wickets.

Shami continues.

After 33 overs,Australia 99/0 ( Marcus Harris 54 , Aaron Finch 38)

Talk about the short stuff, Umesh tries one and puts too much effort into it, so much of it that a jumping Pant could not collect it as the ball went flying over him. But he is doing the right thing. Need to shock the batsmen every now and then and not be monotonous.

After 32 overs,Australia 93/0 ( Marcus Harris 53 , Aaron Finch 38)

Shami has to aim for good length. Every time he has gone full, he has been punished and the good length deliveries have beaten the edge of the batsmen on a regular basis. Also, the short ball has been used very less. 2 runs from the over. A better one for Shami in this session so far.

Shami continues.

After 31 overs,Australia 91/0 ( Marcus Harris 52 , Aaron Finch 37)

Australian total reaching the 100-mark without a loss of wicket. Paine is a happy man in the dressing room. This Test match is set for them. No spin to bother about. Pacers have been easily dealt with. The middle order has to replicate the Finch and Harris show and we might see a turnaround in the series. On the other hand, Kohli should be worried over sudden lack of form of his pacers.

Maiden Test fifty for Marcus Harris and it has come on his home ground, well, sort of. Home city, perhaps, for he grew up playing at the WACA. Either way, trouble brewing for India. Already time to start wondering… where has it gone so wrong?

Umesh continues

After 30 overs,Australia 87/0 ( Marcus Harris 50 , Aaron Finch 35)

Shami almost made Harris make that silly mistake of teasing with the ball going away from him. The young Aussie batsman has been on point in this game so far. Reaches his fifty. He is aiming for big one.

FOUR! Another four as another bad delivery from Shami, Finch hits it to the sweeper cover boundary.

FIFTY for Harris! His maiden one, and a mild celebration from the young man. He is looking for the big one it seems.

FOUR! Another fullish delivery from Shami and Harris steers it yet again through the point for another boundary.

Australia’s top-six batsmen’s combined batting average of 29.81 this year in Tests before the start of this Test was the second lowest among the top-seven ranked Test teams currently.

Shami continues.

After 29 overs,Australia 78/0 ( Marcus Harris 45 , Aaron Finch 31)

Better over from Umesh as he pitches consistently in the uncertain area for the batsman and shapes it away. Harris is on 45 and is looking all set for his maiden fifty in Test cricket.

Umesh continues.

After 28 overs,Australia 78/0 ( Marcus Harris 45 , Aaron Finch 31)

Two boundaries in the over. Shami is bowling too full. Has to adjust the length quickly. He has looked the best of them all today. India cannot afford bad spells of bowling by all its bowlers.

FOUR! Another half-volley, pitched outside the off stump and Harris beautifully cover-drived it for a four.

FOUR! Pace on the ball, a half-volley give by Shami and Harris steers it through the point for a boundary.

Shami to bowl from the other end.

After 27 overs,Australia 70/0 ( Marcus Harris 37 , Aaron Finch 31)

Umesh swings it away from Finch to begin the over. The batsman safely leaves it. Full flourish of the arms from Finch on the next ball. Does not go for four but three is easily taken. Umesh begins the new spell on a shaky note, struggling for right line again.

The second session is on its way. Indian pace attack had a terrible time in the first. New plans must have churned out. Finch and Harris walk to the middle. Umesh to resume things.

And India won at Jo’burg!

We need to remember that at Jo'burg, India actually played 5 quicks (inc Pandya).

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 14, 2018

Round 1 to Australia. Few uncertain moments, especially for Finch, but openers have coped admirably. Surprised though that India’s fast bowlers haven’t used the short ball even as a surprise weapon

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) December 14, 2018

Australia’s session, out and out. For all the talk of a raging pitch, Finch and Harris have subdued it with relative ease. Doesn’t help that India bowled crap in the first hour and wasted the new ball. Umesh and Shami have brought them back into the session with great control. But a long road from here onwards.

Australia’s run-rate in the first 13 overs of the day was 3.62. However, in the next 13 overs, Indian bowlers bowled well and restricted their run-rate to 1.46.

Superb second hour of play from India. Just 16 runs since drinks’ break. Much more control of proceedings. But the damage is already done. The batsmen are set and it is no longer the new ball on a fresh pitch.

Lunch, Day 1

Hardwork for the four Indian fast bowlers in the sweltering heat at Perth. They did come close on a couple of occasions to pick a wicket in the morning session but Australian openers Aaron Finch and Marcus Harris have been solid in the first session to take their side to 66/0. The bowlers were able to better their control in the second hour of play but the batsmen were already well settled by then and to be honest their best chance was with the new Kookaburra. The conditions for batting will only improve all the pre-match talk about the grass on the Perth wicket hasn’t provided anything spectacular or shocking.

Join us for the second session at 10:30 am IST.

After 26 overs,Australia 66/0 ( Marcus Harris 36 , Aaron Finch 28)

Couple of singles, including a leg bye off the second ball, of the last over of the morning session. Australia clearly the happier lot as they take Lunch on Day 1 having not lost any wicket after winning the toss.

Shami is back for what is most likely the last over before Lunch

After 25 overs,Australia 64/0 ( Marcus Harris 35 , Aaron Finch 28)

Bumrah attacking the stumps with those deliveries darted inwards to Finch. Indian bowlers, especially Shami and Bumrah have got close to getting Finch out, but the burly opener has managed to somehow keep it out. Can say he has been focussing lot harder and is prepared to spent time in the middle. Maiden.

Superb second hour of play from India. Just 16 runs since drinks’ break. Much more control of proceedings. But the damage is already done. The batsmen are set and it is no longer the new ball on a fresh pitch.

DID YOU KNOW:
The last time when Australia lost a Test at home after adding 50-plus opening stand in their first innings was in 2016 against South Africa at Perth after David Warner and Shaun Marsh added 158 runs for the opening wicket in Australia’s first innings.

After 24 overs,Australia 64/0 ( Marcus Harris 35 , Aaron Finch 28)

Couple of easy singles off Ishant’s over for both the openers as they continue to tick the scoreboard. Just a couple of overs remaining before Lunch, how much India would like a wicket here.

After 23 overs,Australia 62/0 ( Marcus Harris 34 , Aaron Finch 27)
 

Finch has looked slightly iffy in last 15 minutes or so. Few plays and misses and now an edge off Bumrah’s bowling, fortunately for him it didn’t go to the fielder. Four off the over.

FOUR! Genuine edge but falls short and wide of KL Rahul at second slip. Harsh on Bumrah, Finch earns a lucky boundary.

After 22 overs,Australia 58/0 ( Marcus Harris 34 , Aaron Finch 23)

Third straight maiden for India. Australian openers do not want to do anything silly before Lunch. Harris calmly plays out Ishant Sharma’s over.

india have started this test like they are bowling at the tail #AUSvIND

— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) December 14, 2018

After 21 overs,Australia 58/0 ( Marcus Harris 34 , Aaron Finch 23)

India need to maintain their cool here, Australia are scoring under 3, if they can bowl couple of tight overs, they are in good chance to pick a wicket. Back-to-back maidens for India, Bumrah’s first.

Valid point?

Going in with 4 seamers is one thing, without Ashwin or Jadeja it makes the batting a little lighter that none of the #TeamIndia seamers can make a realistic Batting contribution #AUSvIND #PerthTest

— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) December 14, 2018

After 20 overs,Australia 58/0 ( Marcus Harris 34 , Aaron Finch 23)

Into the last 30 minutes before Lunch is taken on Day 1. Australia in firm control here. Ishant starts his second spell with a maiden. Much better control compared to the one he had with the new ball, but nothing that threatens the set openers.

Ishant Sharma is brought back into the attack

Oh no! Nobody realised!

The worst thing about India playing all quicks is that it means Rishabh Pant won't be keeping up to the stumps mic. #AUSvIND

— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) December 14, 2018

After 19 overs,Australia 58/0 ( Marcus Harris 34 , Aaron Finch 23)

The temperature soaring over 37 degrees as its close to noon time in Perth, essential for Kohli to rotate his bowlers, Bumrah is back on and Finch misses an opportunity to put a loose shot ball away for boundary. Couple of singles in the over.

Last 10 overs have yielded only 29 runs. From 4 per over to 3 per over, India have looked to pull things back. Think they have realized that this pitch is going to be hard work. Australian batsmen have settled down easily. Aussie bowling coach was on Channel 7 talking about bowling a fuller length. India have been guilty of not doing that at all.

Bumrah has been brought back into the attack

After 18 overs,Australia 56/0 ( Marcus Harris 33 , Aaron Finch 22)

Harris nudges to fine leg for one off the first ball. Next ball, Finch gets off strike with an inside edge to square leg. Harris sees out the rest of the over without much fuss.

After 17 overs,Australia 54/0 ( Marcus Harris 32 , Aaron Finch 21)

Quiet maiden from Umesh Yadav. Harris taken over the mantle of scoring runs as Finch grafts it out in the middle. Indians searching for the opening breakthrough as they continue to build pressure.

After 16 overs,Australia 54/0 ( Marcus Harris 32 , Aaron Finch 21)

Shami continues to maintain very tight lines against Finch. Finch is finally able to get a run against Shami. A single off the final ball.

Fifty-plus stands for Australia in this series so far:

Travis Head and Pat Cummins, 1st innings, Adelaide (7th wicket)

Aaron Finch and Marcus Harris, 1st innings, Perth (1st wicket)

After 15 overs,Australia 53/0 ( Marcus Harris 32 , Aaron Finch 20)
 

Harris breaks his 26 jinx with a couple on the onside and brings the 50-run stand with a boundary. Lot to like about Harris batting. Looks very compact and composed. He has moved into his 30s in good time as well, he took 15 balls to get off the mark.

FOUR! Nicely done by Harris there. Gets on top of the slightly back of a length delivery and cuts it to the square boundary on offside.