It was another day of grit and challenges. But it is too early to say who has won the challenge comprehensively.
The early morning loss of Shane Watson did not deter Michael Hussey in pursuit. Nicknamed Mr. Cricket, it was all solidity and focus from the man playing his first Test in India even as the partnerships were breached ever so often by the duo of Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma who pouched nine Australian wickets amongst themselves. The partnership that mattered, between Hussey and Brad Haddin, helped Australia blossom in their first innings after the feisty knock from their skipper Ricky Ponting on the first day of the first Test at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
If Australia did get to the 430 mark despite Zaheer’s well deserved haul of five and four for Ishant Sharma, it was only because of Hussey’s unrelenting effort to push the bar further. He was unfortunate to be dismissed on 146 but his was the last wicket of the innings, including Zaheer’s fifth, as Australia were finally brought on a grinding halt.
It must have led the skeptics to believe that the Indians, already under enormous pressure from media and fans, would crumble under the Australian effort. However, with a combatant like Virender Sehwag up front, fear had no choice but to pass away. Sehwag’s shots ranged from the superlative to the dangerous to the most atrocious. But more importantly, it kept the Indian score card ticking as the end of day drew close. It allowed India a safe passage into the third day without losing a wicket with sixty-eight runs on board.
There were technically 9.5 overs remaining before the close of play, the clouds could not do a roundabout and rain ensured no play was likely as the sun set. A new dawn awaits, what it brings is what has everyone on the edge of their seats.
