A strong start followed by an all too familiar Australian collapse marked the second day of the Mohali Test against India.
We’ll bring you the live coverage of the action throughout the first day from 2.30pm AEDT on Saturday.
With the first day rained off, Australia won the toss on a sunny second morning and promptly decided to bat first, going into the game without the four suspended cricketers.
The decision to bat first was an expected one but the application shown by Ed Cowan and Dave Warner over sustained periods of time was a refreshing change from what’s transpired so far.
The pair added 139 for the first wicket and were largely untroubled except for a couple of half-chances that India missed in the field.
It was Warner’s wicket that triggered that capitulation seen so often this series, with Ravindra Jadeja picking up two wickets in two balls.
Michael Clarke’s excellent run of form was stalled when he departed first ball, stumped off Jadeja, causing concerns over his decision to promote himself up the order to first drop.
Phil Hughes’ performance against spin bowling continues to prove dire – his 31-ball stand for just two runs was another sign of why Usman Khawaja could have been tried ahead of him had he not been suspended.
The rest of the side, barring comeback man Steven Smith, did not get going at all with Ishant Sharma bagging a couple in an over.
Brad Haddin got a start but an expansive stroke saw him inside edge Sharma on to his stumps, while Moises Henriques was castled off one that came back into him.
While it looked at one stage that 400 looked a possible score batting first will now need to be readjusted to anywhere between 300 and 350.
Australia will look at the outer end of that score spectrum while India will hope to scythe through Smith and the tail before they settle down in the morning.
The track has enough turn to suggest that batting may not be the easiest over the remaining three days but a lot depends on whether Nathan Lyon and Xavier Doherty can get it right with their channels.
First things first though and Smith will hope to convert his half-century into a century and in turn garner support from the rest of the batting to come.
Live coverage of the game begins from 2.30 pm AEST, half hour before usual time on Saturday and you can add your opinion in the comments section below.
nickyc
Guest
I dunno about young Ferris. I've got a feeling he'll come to a bad end or worse still finish up playing for the Poms! How would Billy Murdoch feel about that?
Faruk ahmed
Guest
Now Australlians are really knowing india, indian can do anything if they want
Byreddy
Guest
Yes this match also win for india
Faruk ahmed
Guest
Sachin will get another century today.
Faruk ahmed
Guest
India will win the 3rd test too
Brendon
Guest
highlights some major issues, how does Watson just walk straight back in after chucking his toys from the pram, not to mention his batting average over the last 2 years. Khawaja has to be given a go in the last, it's a dead rubber.....my mind drifts back to Sydney this year, uh oh, no go for UTK
Dilip thapa.
Guest
Shikhar Dhawan is best ever debutant for india and hopefull he will do better.
Calum
Guest
It seemed like it. What an effort.
Phil
Guest
Agreed
Phil
Guest
Hughes fielding has been suspect for a while.
Phil
Guest
The whole suspension is costing us, with 2-0 down it made no sense
Phil
Guest
Arthur has to go, enough is enough
Phil
Guest
We can't ignore him forever, Khawaja deserves a chance and hopefully its in the 4th test
pope paul v11
Guest
And an innings defeat..... yippee!
pope paul v11
Guest
nickyc you demon! Young Ferris and Turner have surpassed the demon.
Geoff Lemon
Expert
Glad to hear it Rob, hope you can keep listening in over the course of this match and the next.
Rinks
Guest
200 by stumps? The way they are going I guess they will get past that mark by second session...
nickyc
Guest
Was Fred 'the demon' Spofforth not available?
jimmyk
Guest
Unfortunately i think that Watson will waltz straight back in and smith will be retained and no spot left for khawaja So frustrating to see him overlooked time and time again
Rinks
Guest
Was he Adam Gilchrist who opened for Indians today?