Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Indian spinners shake Australia

The second and final test between India and Australia was heading for a gripping climax after bowlers dominated the fourth day on Tuesday.

The Indian spinners reduced Australia to 202 for seven at the close, with Mitchell Johnson and Nathan Hauritz facing the task of extending a slender lead of 185 runs for the touring side who lost the first test by one wicket.

Captain Ricky Ponting made a defiant 72 to hold the innings together before falling to Zaheer Khan in the final session.

The tourists were let down by their top order which struggled against Indian spinners Pragyan Ojha and Harbhajan Singh.


Ojha removed in-form opener Shane Watson, Michael Clarke and Mike Hussey, while Harbhajan accounted for Simon Katich and Marcus North.

India resumed on a commanding 435 for five and Sachin Tendulkar cruised to his sixth test double century before falling for 214.

Tendulkar, who hit two sixes and 22 fours, became debutant Peter George's first test victim when he dragged a delivery on to his stumps and Hauritz polished off the tail as India slumped to 495 all out.

The match can tilt any where. Whatever Aussie got is gettable but India have to bat sensibly tomorrow. The wicket is turning a lot.

Even Master predicted a close finish in the second and final cricket Test against Australia after scoring a brilliant double century. "This match is at a critical stage and it is all about how we handle pressure on the last day," Tendulkar said after the fourth day's play at the Chinnaswamy stadium in Bangalore.




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