Martyn, McGrath shine for Australia

Mumbai vs. Australians: Stumps Day 2 (3-day game)

A stylish half-century from Damien Martyn and a typically metronomic spell from Glenn McGrath provided the main highlights of the second day's play of Australia's tour match against Mumbai.

Resuming on 159/3, Martyn and Hodge progressed to 206 before the latter fell to offspinner Ramesh Powar for 30. Martyn continued to play the three-man spin attack with conviction, bringing up his half-century. Michael Clarke began well with two boundaries, but was soon undone by the quick reflexes of Indulkar at short leg, runout for 10.

Martyn reached an assured 71 before choosing to retire to allow the lower order to bat, though Shane Watson lasted just one ball, LBW to Kulkarni. Adam Gilchrist played within himself but nonetheless managed two sixes in his unbeaten 42 from 77 deliveries. Brett Lee partnered him in a 62-run stand, before Lee became Powar's second victim. Australia declared their innings closed at 302/7, a satisfactory effort which will have prepared them well for the turning tracks to be expected in the Test series, as Mumbai's spinning trio bowled 77.1 overs between them.

Glenn McGrath did much to dispel doubts as to his effectiveness on Indian pitches, snaring the wicket of Mane in a controlled opening spell. Hauritz raised his chances of selection with the wicket of Indulkar, LBW for 13. McGrath returned to add a second wicket to his name, snaring Wasim Jaffer for a composed 48. McGrath finished with impeccable figures, conceding just eight runs and taking two wickets from his 13 overs. Muzumdar and Kambli resurrected the innings, but Kambli fell in the 58th over to Watson for 26 to signal the close of play. Mumbai finished 150/4, with Muzumdar unbeaten on 50.

Score Summary, Stumps Day 2:

AUSTRALIANS 302/7dec.
DM Martyn 71rh, ML Hayden 67; NM Kulkarni 65/2

MUMBAI 150/4
AA Muzumdar 50*; GD McGrath 8/2

Mumbai trail by 152 runs

Posted by Adam