On Day 2 of the pink-ball Test between India and Australia, an unusual moment involving Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant caught the attention of fans and teammates alike. Ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh caught behind, but his frustration with Pant’s subdued appeal was evident.
Lackluster Appeal Sparks Frustration
In the 64th over, Ashwin bowled a sharp delivery that found the edge of Marsh’s bat. While Ashwin was convinced of the dismissal, Pant’s appeal lacked his usual energy. Known for his lively and vocal presence behind the stumps, Pant’s unenthusiastic shout dropped off quickly, leaving Ashwin visibly unimpressed.
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma also addressed Pant during the celebrations, seemingly surprised at the lack of zeal from the usually exuberant keeper. Despite this moment of awkwardness, the decision went in India’s favor, and Marsh walked back to the pavilion after scoring just 9 runs.
Travis Head Leads Australia’s Charge
While India celebrated Marsh’s dismissal, Travis Head continued his dominant innings, bringing up a brilliant counter-attacking century. The left-hander reached his hundred off just 111 balls, punishing Indian bowlers with boundaries all around the field.
Head’s partnership with Marnus Labuschagne, worth 65 runs for the fourth wicket, put Australia in a commanding position. Labuschagne, who scored 64, was eventually dismissed by Nitish Kumar Reddy. The youngster bowled a short delivery that Labuschagne tried to cut but ended up slicing it to Yashasvi Jaiswal, who pulled off a stunning catch at gully.
India’s Pacers Shine Early
Starting the day at 86-1, Australia faced a determined Indian pace attack. Jasprit Bumrah, continuing his fine form, struck early, removing opener Nathan McSweeney for 39. McSweeney had built a steady 67-run stand with Labuschagne, but Bumrah’s persistence paid off.
Soon after, Bumrah struck again, dismissing Steve Smith for 2 with a leg-side catch that Rishabh Pant managed to grab cleanly. Mohammed Siraj also improved his bowling from Day 1, maintaining pressure on the Australian batters with accurate lengths.
Australia in Command
Despite losing early wickets, Australia ended the day with a significant lead, thanks to Head’s aggressive century. The Indian bowlers toiled hard, but the Australian batting lineup managed to keep the pressure on the visitors, putting India on the back foot as the game heads into its critical stages.
