Ashwin’s two strikes in the second session very well contained the Australians as they scored 117 runs at a loss of 4 wickets, by the end of the second session. Peter Handscomb was batting at 33 during the break while Travis Scored remained unbeaten on 17. The hosts are still trailing by 133 runs.
The 2nd session began with the departure of Shaun Marsh. In the last ball of the 28th over, Ashwin bowled a floated half-volley delivery outside the off stump which tempted Marsh to go for a drive. The ball took an edge of his bat and removed the bails.
Marsh ended up scoring just 2 runs while the Aussies were reduced to 59/3.
Amid this setback, Usman Khawaja was the man who was patiently dealing with the Indian bowling attack. Along with Peter Handscomb, he added another 28 runs for the next wicket before Ashwin trapped him through an off-break delivery. The ball had kissed his gloves and was quickly grabbed by wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant.
The umpire didn’t look convinced by the appeal and hence, India had to take the review which ensured Khawaja’s dismissal. He ended up scoring 28 off 125 balls in the 40th over.
Thereafter Travis Head and Handscomb tried to put a check on the wicket-fall and played some patient cricket till the tea break. So far, they have added 30 runs for the 5th wicket and will resume the innings after the tea at 117.
Earlier, in the morning, Australia lost two wickets in reply to India’s 250. Ishant removed Finch for a duck in the very first over whole Ashwin had the hold of debutant Marcus Harris (26) at the stroke of lunch.
India's first innings lasted just one delivery on Friday with Mohammed Shami being dismissed the first ball of the day bowled by Josh Hazlewood.
The visitors were 250 for 9 at close on Thursday after opting to bat.