Steve Smith will hope to continue Australia's fight with Indians eager to see his back as early as possible on Day 2 of the third Test.
© AP
Australia ended the opening day of the third Test with Steve Smith (72*) and Brad Haddin (23*) threatening to take team to safety. This after Indian bowlers had struck early and kept the pressure through the day. Will the Australia captain and vice-captain pair continue to resist or will the tourists topple them over and come out to showcase their own batting strength. Live updates from Day 2's action. (Scorecard)
Australia had chosen to bat after winning the toss in the highly-anticipated Boxing Day Test. Indian bowlers however seized the initiative early when an in-form David Warner fell before scoring a single run. What could have been India's day though was not meant to be as gritty Australians resisted with a couple of half-centuries. (Read: Gavaskar says India blew away early chance)
Shane Watson was one of the highlights on Friday as he helped himself to a fifty. The veteran batsman had been under pressure to perform and he finally came good on his promise and skills. (Read: Watson rues not scoring a century)
Watson though was the only batsman to fall to spin as Ravichandran Ashwin trapped him LBW. On a day when Mohammad Shami and Umesh Yadav claimed two wickets each, Ashwin showed that there is much on the track for spinners as well. (Read: Shami thanks Ashwin for creating pressure on Aussies | Shami vows to end Australian fight early on Day 2 )
The track at MCG may indeed have something for the spinners. Expected to become slower as the days go by, turn can make an impact here. Batting too would become easier which means the need for India to end Australia's first innings' fight is even more important.
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