15 wickets fall on chaotic day of Test cricket as India take advantage over Australia

Australia are facing a daunting chase after a gripping day 2 as India press the advantage, but a question has been raised over a Test change.

Mitchell Starc started the day on fire. Photo: Getty.

It has been utter carnage on day two with 15 wickets falling across the day for 211 runs as Tim Paine starred with the bat for Australia.

 

India hold a 62 run stand after being bowled out for 244 in the first innings before Australia folded for 191.

India are 1/9 in the second innings as stumps was called with Mayank Agarwal and nightwatchman Jasprit Bumrah at the crease.

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Australia struck back with late wickets to have the game on a knife's edge after the first day of play with India resuming their first innings at 6/233.

But, in the blink of an eye, India's first innings was wiped out in a deadly 25-ball barrage to start the second day of play. 

India was all out for 244, having lost 4/11 in just 25 balls and 22 minutes of play on Friday with Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins both picking up two wickets. 

It was a dramatic tail spin from India after the tourists had been on top late on day one at 3/188.

The Aussies ran straight through India this afternoon.

But Australia's gamble on Matthew Wade and Joe Burns at the top of the order appeared to backfire with the pair each getting out LBW for eight each as the Indian bowlers went for the kill.

The runs were hard to come by again with Marnus Labuschagne playing a lone hand in the Australian top order.

Labuschagne rode his luck throughout his 47 with three changes, including a hook shot that Bumrah made a meal of, an edge that just didn't quite make the slips and a dolly of a catch that was butchered by Prithvi Shaw.

Only debutant Cameron Green could muster a double figure score in the top six.

At 5/79, things were looking dire for Australia but Tim Paine came to the rescue, scoring 73 not out as he put in a captain's knock to save the day alongside Labuschagne.

But his luck ran out soon after when he was trapped in front.

Labuschagne looked forlorn as he reviewed his LBW despite appearing to already know the outcome.

It's a luxury he's been able to have in this series with each team given three DRS reviews.

It is due to the ICC changing the rules to assist players during the COVID-19 era as less experienced umpires will be working games.

With all three intact, Labuschagne could review through hope rather than with any confidence.

Marnus wasn't happy when he got out.

But it was only just with both Matthew Wade and Joe Burns having unsuccessful reviews but the ball deemed to have been umpires call, meaning Australia didn't lose a review.

It's not necessarily a good thing for some with cricket journalist Adam Collins calling the additional review "garbage".

Another example of where the third DRS challenge is garbage. #AUSvIND

— Adam Collins (@collinsadam) December 18, 2020

Mike Hussey said "I think it was more of a tactical review. On the last recognised batsman, I've just got to try and hope that something goes our way."

Paine then put on 80 with the tail to make it a only a 53-run lead to India.

Pat Cummins then struck immediately, bowling Shaw through the gate but solid defence means India still have nine second innings wickets to play with in the morning.