India level the series with the help of magical Ashwin

Series back to level pegging as India pulled off a memorable victory in Bengaluru test.

India gave a target of 188 runs to Australia, which the visitors knew won't be an easy task. Indian bowlers put up a fine performance with the ball to bring India back into the series.

When India were reduced to 246-8 from 238-4 in the space of 3 overs, Australia thought they had done enough to sense a victory in this test. But Saha and Ishant Sharma added some valuable runs for the last wicket to build some confidence in the team and make them believe that Aussies will not reach the total easily.

When Australia came out to bat, every member in Team India kept the belief in themselves. Captain, Kohli knew how the pitch would behave so he used his bowlers sensibly. Australia needed a good start to back themselves up but Indian bowlers had different ideas.

Every bowler stepped up to the task but the pick of the bowler was R. Ashwin. Ashwin completed his 25th five wicket haul and also completed 200 test wickets on Indian soil. He also surpassed Bishan Sing Bedi's 266 test wickets in the process.

Team India looked like a team on the mission as they were desperate to get this vital win and come back in the series.

The four match series is now tied at 1-1 and the next test will be played in Ranchi from 16th March. 

 

©sportskafun.blogspot.com

Lethal Australia do the damage with the second new ball

The Bengaluru pitch played it's part quite remarkably in the 1st session of the 4th day.

Credits : The Indian Express

India, who ended the 3rd day on a high without losing any wickets in the final session of the play, began the 4th day comfortably with Pujara and Rahane on the crease.

Rahane completed his half-century, while Pujara was sensing another century after spending more than 5 hours in the middle.

From 238-4 to 246-8

Australia needed something to put the pressure back on the Indians and the second new ball did exactly that.

Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood ran through the Indian middle order after knocking down 4 wickets in the 3 overs.

Starc started the destruction by first picking Rahane leg before wicket (with the help of DRS) and then on the very next ball Karun Nair on a duck. It looked almost inevitable to fend off Starc with the new ball. He was absolutely lethal.

In the next over, Hazlewood completed his 5-wicket haul by dismissing the set batsman Cheteshwar Pujara and then R. Ashwin. Hazlewood later got Umesh Yadav out on the edge of the circle.

This bowling performance by Aussie seamers shows how India needs to put their foot ahead when they come out to defend the target, whichever they set.

Wriddhiman Saha is showing some resilience after the stumble.

He, with Ishant Sharma, is the last pair on the crease as India still look to add some valuable runs to defend.

India trail by 1-0 in the series.

©sportskafun.blogspot.com