An unwavering Usman Khawaja (104 n.o., 251b, 15×4) hit a boundary via deep sq. within the final over of the opening day to convey up his second Test century of the 12 months and information Australia to 255 for 4 within the fourth Test on the Narendra Modi Stadium.
On a floor that regarded flat and performed higher than another within the Border-Gavaskar Trophy up to now, Australia received the essential toss on Thursday and determined to grind the Indian bowlers down. And after a few half-centuries within the final two outings, Khawaja braved the scorching solar and batted all through the day to assist Australia acquire the upper-hand.
As the Indian bowlers struggled within the first hour of play, Khawaja and Travis Head solid a 61-run stand – the very best opening partnership for Australia on the tour. Head was on seven when KS Bharat dropped a simple catch, leaving Umesh Yadav annoyed, and making many of the alternative, the Australian surged forward.
While Khawaja held fort at one finish, Head crafted his innings with seven fours – six of which got here off Umesh – earlier than holing out to mid-on, in an try and go after R. Ashwin.
India pulled issues again as Mohammad Shami struck along with his second ball of the second spell, having Marnus Labuschagne chopping on. Two wickets misplaced in fast succession, the run-flow dried up for Australia because it might rating simply eight runs within the final 10 overs earlier than Lunch.
However, a peaceful and composed Khawaja stood agency and a vital 79-run partnership for the fourth wicket between him and stand-in captain Steve Smith (38, 135b, 3×4) noticed Australia dominating the second session. India captain Rohit Sharma tried a number of bowling choices and even introduced in Shreyas Iyer for an over, however none might break the partnership.
However, within the second over after Tea, India had a change in fortune as Smith, trying to defend a Jadeja supply, chopped on. Shami struck once more within the first over of a brand new spell, as he rattled Peter Handscomb’s middle-stump.
Precariously positioned at 170 for 4 with 20 overs remaining within the day, Australia immediately discovered itself underneath stress. But Khawaja as soon as once more constructed a pivotal unbroken 85-run partnership with the younger Cameron Green (49 n.o., 64, 8×4) to show issues round.
Khawaja didn’t change his method and performed a risk-free innings, whereas Green hit a few boundaries off Umesh to get going.
India’s resolution to take the second ball from the 82nd over additionally helped the visiting crew because the ball got here properly on to the bat, permitting Khawaja to attain his 14th Test ton and finish the day with out additional slip-ups.
Struggling to play within the sub-continent as soon as upon a time, Khawaja has come a great distance and within the final 11 Tests in Asia since 2018, he has managed to take care of a median of 75. Better evaluation of the situations and studying the spinners nicely appear to have accomplished the trick for the Aussie batter, who has put the visiting crew within the driver’s seat in Ahmedabad.
SCORECARD
Australia – 1st innings: Travis Head c Jadeja b Ashwin 32, Usman Khawaja (not out) 104, Marnus Labuschagne b Shami 3, Steve Smith b Jadeja 38, Peter Handscomb b Shami 17, Cameron Green (not out) 49; Extras: (b-9, lb-1, nb-1, w-1) 12; Total: (for 4 wkts., in 90 overs) 255.
Fall of wickets: 1-61, 2-72, 3-151, 4-170.
India bowling: Shami 17-2-65-2, Umesh 15-2-58-0, Ashwin 25-8-57-1, Jadeja 20-2-49-1, Axar 12-4-14-0, Shreyas 1-0-2-0.
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com