Australia finished the second day’s play on top after their pacers followed the good work done by their batmen early on in the ongoing World Test Championship final at the Oval on Thursday. The Aussie bowlers, like the batsmen also were able to crack the spine of Indian batting, forcing four top Indian batsmen to return to pavilion within the 19 overs as India were struggling with 71 for four wickets.

Still Ravindra Jadeja and Ajinkya Rahane offered some resistance with a 71-run stand. Jadeja was batting well with seven fours and a six in his 48 before being dismissed by Nathan Lyon.

Earlier, Australia strengthened their position in the game by dismissing Rohit Sharma (15) and Shubman Gill (13) early after having finished at 469 in the first innings. Steve Smith finally returned to pavilion scoring 121 off 268 deliveries. Mohammed Siraj finished as the highest wicket-taker for India, scalping four for 108 runs in 28.3 overs. 

The Indian openers started strong but the duo failed to tackle the in-swingers.

India was 37 for two wickets at the tea-break. Then Mitchell Starc surprised Virat Kohli with a vicious delivery, slanted across from left-arm over and taking off from the good-length spot. Kohli pressing onto front was helpless to negotiate it safely, gloving the ball to second sleep. Kohli scored 14, leaving India in deep trouble. India’s hopes of recovery were already dented at the start of the final session when Cameron Green got rid of Cheteshwar Pujara on 14.

Ajinkya Rahane (29) and debutant Srikar Bharat (5) remained unbeaten as they are going to have tough task on the 3rd day on Friday to help India saving follow-on. 

Brief Scores: India 151 for 5 (Jadeja 48, Boland 1-29, Lyon 1-4) vs Australia 469 (Smith 121, Siraj 4/108). India trails by 318 runs.