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India v Australia: Day 2

Friday, December 5 2003

Day two belonged to the notoriously famous Brisbane rain and the Indians, as the boys in blue fought back hard by cleaning up the entire Australian middle order.

The day, originally scheduled to start at 9:30 am local time, began close to 12:00 pm with only a half an hour in the morning session being played. Once again the overcast conditions and the green GABBA surface signified a significant advantage to the bowling side.

Century maker, Justin Langer and the ever solid Damien Martyn strode out to the GABBA full of intent. To India's credit, Ajit Agarkar and Zaheer Khan bowled tremendously and hit the right spots which they didn't do often on day one. Agarkar trapping the in form Langer plumb in front for a 121.

Steve Waugh, in what is his last game at the GABBA got a standing ovation from the GABBA crowd. However, India struck again through a terrible mixup between Steve Waugh and Damien Martyn. Martyn drove a Zaheer no ball through the offside only for a mixup to occur with both batsman at the same end. Martyn was easily run out by Harbhajan and Patel for 42.

More cloud cover, brought more good fortune for India as Steve Waugh's pad flicked and dislodged his stumps while attempting to hook a short pitched Zaheer delivery. Waugh unfortunately out for 0 in what could be his last innings at the GABBA. No more action could occur however as the heavens poured during lunch and not a ball has been bowled since then.

After a long pitch inspection, play resumed - much to the delight of all those people who had come into the ground. Immediately, Zaheer struck as dangerman Adam Gilchrist fell for 0. Andy Bichel got the Australian score past 300, before he fell lbw to Ajit Agarkar.

Zaheer got a landmark 5 wicket haul in Australia as he dismissed Simon Katich for 16 as Katich was caught behind by Parthiv Patel. India were well and truly playing in a very competitive fashion and for once Australia were left to struggle. The Indian's put the ball in the right spots and reaped the rewards.

With the last wicket pair in the middle of the crease, India is expected to wrap things up quickly before they face a lethal Australian attack on a green wicket. India on top, but nothing is definite as Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and company will have to play out of their skins to give India a chance at a draw or even a long shot victory.


Brief Score Summary:

Australia (1st Innings): 9/323 (Langer 121, Ponting 54, Martyn 42, Zaheer 5/95, Agarkar 2/90)



Posted by Sangrah