Sydney: India’s famed batting line-up came a cropper yet again against a disciplined Australian pace attack as they allowed the home side to wrest the early initiative on an engrossing opening day of the second Test here on Tuesday.
Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni opted to bat after winning the toss but his decision boomeranged as the visitors were dismissed for 191 in 59.3 overs on a seaming and bouncy pitch at the SCG, which is hosting its centenary Test.
But for Dhoni (57 not out) and Sachin Tendulkar (41), the Indian total would have been much lower as their other colleagues struggled against an inexperienced but disciplined opposition pace bowling attack.
Zaheer Khan though threatened to bring India back into the match with three quick scalps early in Australia’s reply. The home side, who are leading the four-match Test series 1-0, were 37 for three at one stage before the experienced hands of Ricky Ponting (44 batting) and Michael Clarke (47 batting) steered them to 116 for three at close. The hosts trail by 75 runs with seven wickets in hand.
Pacemen took centrestage on a day when all 13 wickets fell to them. James Pattinson (4/44), Ben Hilfenhaus (3/51) and Peter Siddle (3/55) were the irresistible force for the Australians while the magic of Zaheer fetched him three for 25 in his first spell of six overs for the visitors. (PTI)