Australia's Bowlers Dominate On Day 2 Of World Test Championship Final, Leaving India In A Daunting Deficit

Australia's bowlers continued their relentless reign in the World Test Championship final, extending their authority after a mesmerizing partnership between Travis Head and Steve Smith.

Despite India's brave efforts, Australia concluded their innings at a commanding 469, leaving India trailing by a daunting 318 runs on Day 2.

The day began with Smith showcasing his mastery, notching up his 31st Test century with consecutive boundaries. Meanwhile, Head displayed prowess, recording a magnificent score exceeding 150, propelling their partnership to an astonishing 285.

India fought back admirably, claiming three crucial wickets for a mere 26 runs. Head departed after a superb knock of 163, Green fell victim to an edge, and Smith's stumps were rattled, leaving Australia at four wickets down with Mitchell Starc being run out.

The second session witnessed a flurry of strokes from Alex Carey, who unleashed a barrage of boundaries and even sent one sailing over the fence for six.

However, his reverse-sweep attempt ended in his dismissal. Mohammed Siraj achieved a four-wicket haul, including the scalps of Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins, while also reaching the milestone of 50 Test wickets.

India's opening batting started promisingly, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill confidently dispatching the ball to the boundary. Nevertheless, Australia quickly regained control as Cummins trapped Rohit leg-before and Gill's stumps were dismantled by Scott Boland.

Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara survived a testing period before the Tea break.

Pujara's confident stroke play characterized the final session, but a misjudgment resulted in his dismissal, bowled while leaving the ball. Kohli's thumb was struck by a rising delivery before being caught by the wicketkeeper, intensifying India's plight at 71/4.

Ajinkya Rahane survived a close call due to a no-ball but faced discomfort from a few deliveries.

Amidst the challenges, Ravindra Jadeja's positive batting showcased an array of boundaries, while Rahane displayed grit and determination. Unfortunately, Jadeja fell agonizingly short of a fifty, edging a delivery to slip.

Rahane and KS Bharat remained unbeaten at Stumps for 151/5, aware of the uphill battle that awaited them on Day 3. Australia's bowlers maintained their stranglehold, leaving India with an enormous task to salvage the match in the coming sessions.

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