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Australia v India: Fourth Test Day 2 live coverage from the SCG

Australia’s four specialist bowlers all concede more than 100 runs each as India smashes 7(dec)-622 to bat hosts out of fourth Test.

Will Swanton and Daniel Sankey
India's Rishabh Pant, right, celebrates his century as Australia's Marnus Labuschagne looks on. Picture: AP
India's Rishabh Pant, right, celebrates his century as Australia's Marnus Labuschagne looks on. Picture: AP
16 min read
7:08AMJanuary 04, 2019.
Updated 6:26PMJanuary 04, 2019

STUMPS ON DAY 2: Australia 0-24, chasing India’s first innings total of 7(dec)-622.

Daniel Sankey 5.53pm: STUMPS — Australia 0-24, chasing 7-622

Openers Marcus Harris (19 not out) and Usman Khawaja (5 not out) have survived a testing 10 overs before stumps to guide Australia to 0-24, chasing India’s monster first innings total of 7(dec)-622.

It was a nervous 40 minutes or so at the crease for the Aussies, and particularly Khawaja, who was dropped by Rishabh Pant early off the bowling of Mohammed Shami before looking all at sea at times facing spinner Kuldeep Yadav.

Just three wickets fell on day two as India’s batsmen took advantage of a tame Sydney pitch, described in Fox Cricket commentary by former Australian legspinner Shane Warne as the flattest pitch of the series.

After Cheteshwar Pujara was dismissed for a brilliant 193, wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant (159 not out) and spinner Ravi Jadeja (81) took full advantage of a tiring Australian bowling attack as they took the score past 600.

If Pujara was the rock of the innings, Pant was the roll. His 159 not out came from just 189 deliveries and featured 15 fours and one massive six as he set about lifting the run rate from just on three per over to more than 3.7. He shared in a record partnership of more than 200 with Jadeja, who himself hit seven fours and a six in his 114-ball innings.

Australia’s four specialist bowlers Mitchell Starc (1-123), Josh Hazlewood (2-105), Pat Cummins (0-101) and Nathan Lyon (4-178) all conceded more than 100 runs and Lyon’s 57.2 overs were the most he’s ever bowled in an innings.

With three days left in the match, Australia will do well to hold on for a draw — and at least they’ll be given every chance by a Sydney pitch that certainly hasn’t revealed any gremlins to this point.

Daniel Sankey 5.30pm: Aussies begin their long chase

There’s little doubt that Australia — chasing 7-622 — are climbing a cricketing mountain in their first innings but Marcus Harris is at least making a fist of keeping his wicket until stumps.

Four overs into Australia’s first innings and with six overs remaining in the day, Australia are 0-15, with Harris 15 not out from just 17 deliveries.

It’s been a little more difficult for Usman Khawaja, who’s on 0 not out but has already been dropped by Rishabh Pant off the bowling of Mohammed Shami.

Daniel Sankey 5.02pm: INDIA DECLARE AT 7-622

Ravid Jadeja charges up the wicket to Nathan Lyon but a huge swipe misses and he is bowled by 81, leading to an immediate declaration by captain Virat Kohli with India on 7-622. Rishabh Pant finishes on 159 not out, providing brilliant support to Cheteshwar Pujara, who was dismissed for 193 earlier in the day.

Australia will face 10 overs before stumps, with captain Tim Paine calling for the heavy roller before openers Marcus Harris and Usman Khawaja make their way to the middle.

Daniel Sankey 4.57pm: 150 for Pant

Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant continues his free-scoring ways, bringing up his 150 in style as he pulls Josh Hazlewood to the boundary. Pant is now on 153 not out from just 185 deliveries ... and Hazlewood has also brought up the century that no bowler wants. He now has figures of 2-100. Pant finishes the over with another boundary that brings up the 200 partnership with Ravi Jadeja (81 not out). It’s a record Indian partnership for the seventh wicket against Australia.

Rishabh Pant raises his bat after making 150.
Rishabh Pant raises his bat after making 150.

4.56pm: India racks up the milestones

Daniel Sankey 4.45pm: 600 up for India

You said it, Cricket Australia.

Daniel Sankey 4.21pm: Jadeja brings up 50

Indian spinner Ravi Jadeja brings up his 50 (80 deliveries) and proceeds to rub it into Australia’s tired bowlers by wielding his cricket bat like a sword. Making matters worse, Rishabh Pant (135 not out) then smashes Nathan Lyon straight back over his head for six to take India’s score to 6-563. The partnership between these two is now 141.

Daniel Sankey 4.15pm: You know things are desperate...

...when the captain throws the ball to Usman Khawaja.

Will Swanton 4.10pm: India’s slow burn towards history

This is the most low-key piece of sporting history you’ll see. Because it won’t be official for another three days. But India’s huge total at the SCG — currently 6-546 and counting — puts them in a virtually unbeatable position in the Test and as such, they seem certain to claim the series, their first ever in Australia. It’s a huge achievement for the world’s No.1 Test team. The conquering of a final frontier. But it will not be official until Day 5, notwithstanding a miracle comeback from Australia. For all intents and purposes, the series is being won right here and now, late on day two, the scoreboard ticking towards 550.

Daniel Sankey 3.45pm: Century for Pant

Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant has brought up his century from just 137 deliveries as India power to 6-509 after the tea break. Pant has hit eight fours along the way as Indian captain Virat Kohli shows no signs of calling for a declaration — even though it can’t be far away, given he’s wearing his cricket whites in the changeroom. Ravi Jadeja (31) is the other not out batsman as Australia prepares to complete the 150th over of the innings.

Daniel Sankey 3.11pm: TEA — India 6-491

Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant is closing in on a brilliant hundred as he heads for the tea break on 88 not out from just 128 deliveries.

Bonnie Paine with Rishabh Pant. Picture: Instagram
Bonnie Paine with Rishabh Pant. Picture: Instagram

Pant’s war of words with Tim Paine in the third Test entertained spectators and players alike. Paine suggested Pant sign with the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL and spend a night babysitting Paine’s kids while the Aussie captain went to the movies with his wife. Pant was quick to retort with sledges of “he’s a temporary captain” when Paine came out to bat in that match, but good naturedly posed for a photograph with Paine’s wife Bonnie and children at Kirribilli House earlier this week.

All that has been well and truly forgotten, however, as Pant has smashed the Aussie bowlers to all parts of the ground. India are now 6-490, with spinner Ravi Jadeja (25 not out) also looking comfortable.

It was a profitable session for India, who scored 108 runs for the loss of just two wickets.

Daniel Sankey 2.42pm: India brings up 450

The 450 is up for India with the loss of 6 wickets as wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant (66 not out from 100 deliveries) picks up where Cheteshwar Pujara left off. Pant brings up the 450 with a slashing cut off a short ball from Pat Cummins, who hasn’t managed a breakthrough this innings despite his heroics in the third Test. Ravi Jadeja is 13 not out and India are 6-453.

Will Swanton 2.10pm: Test team ‘not developmental’

Cricket Australia CEO Kevin Roberts has denied the Test side is a developmental team ahead of the Ashes. The selection of Marnus Labuschagne at No.3 gives the side an odd feel … but Roberts says there’s no experimenting going on.

“This is not a development team,” Roberts said on ABC Radio Grandstand.

“It’s a great opportunity for players … we might see a maiden Test century. I’d love to see that.”

Referring to the absences of suspended trio Steve Smith, Dave Warner and Cam Bancroft, Roberts said: “It’s an interesting little period here. But a great opportunity for other players to stand up.”

Cricket Australia CEO Kevin Roberts. Picture: AAP
Cricket Australia CEO Kevin Roberts. Picture: AAP

Daniel Sankey 2.06pm: Pant continues his rise

Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant notches the third half century of his young Test career. It came from just 85 deliveries and one would think he’ll be looking to lift the pace considerably as India continues to build a monster first innings total. Pant is 50 not out, Ravi Jadeja is two not out and India are 6-426.

Daniel Sankey 1.55pm: WICKET! Pujara goes for 193

Well bowled Nathan Lyon — he’s ended a sensational innings by Cheteshwar Pujara, who’s out caught and bowled for 193. Fans at the Sydney Cricket Ground rise as one for a brilliant knock, compiled from 373 deliveries and featuring 22 boundaries.

Pujara has well and truly done his job this innings, even if he misses out on a double century. At 6-418, India is in an almost unassailable position with Risabh Pant set on 44 not out. He’s been joined in the middle by Ravi Jadeja.

Lyon now has 3-127 and will be looking to clean up the tail as quickly as possible.

Daniel Sankey 1.37pm: Aussies miss Pujara chance

Has Australia just wasted its one and only chance to dismiss Cheteshwar Pujara? The Indian No.3 was on 192 when he tried to cut Nathan Lyon and got an edge which flew to Usman Khawaja at first slip.

Khawaja was able to get a hand to a tough chance but couldn’t hold it and Pujara survived as he closes in on a well-deserved double century.

Dropped ... Usman Khawaja puts down Cheteshwar Pujara. Picture: Fox Sports
Dropped ... Usman Khawaja puts down Cheteshwar Pujara. Picture: Fox Sports

The missed opportunity came just minutes after Rishabh Pant almost lofted a Marnus Labuschagne delivery straight to Josh Hazlewood at long off.

Daniel Sankey 1.22pm: Labuschagne hurries up batsmen

We’re back in action at the SCG after lunch and Marnus Labuschagne very nearly had the wicket Australia craves. Fielding off his own bowling, Labuschagne would have had Rishabh Pant (33 not out) caught out of his ground with a direct hit after Pant was sent back by Cheteshwar Pujara (183 not out) on a quick single attempt.

Daniel Sankey 12.40pm: Finch to captain ODI team

Aaron Finch may have been dropped from Australia’s Test squad but he’ll be back in national colours soon enough. He’s been named captain for Australia’s one-day international series against India, which begins next week.

Usman Khawaja will get a chance at the top of the order with Finch, while there’s room for two all-rounders in Marcus Stoinis and Mitch Marsh, who retains his role as co-vice captain alongside wicketkeeper Alex Carey.

Test quicks Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins will all be rested for the series, with selectors instead calling on veteran Peter Siddle and youngsters Billy Stanlake and Jason Behrendorff.

Test spinner Nathan Lyon has also been selected alongside regular one-day tweaker Adam Zampa.

The first ODI against India will be held on Saturday, January 12 at the SCG. The Adelaide Oval (January 15) and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (January 18) will host the second and third games of the series.

AUSTRALIA: Aaron Finch (c), Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Mitch Marsh (vc), Alex Carey (vc), Jhye Richardson, Billy Stanlake, Jason Behrendorff, Peter Siddle, Nathan Lyon, Adam Zampa.

Daniel Sankey 12.33pm: LUNCH — India 5-389

Batsmen Cheteshwar Pujara (181 not out) and Rishabh Pant (27 not out) head to lunch with India on 5-389, their team in a dominant position as Australia bowlers again struggled in the first session of the Day 2.

Nathan Lyon (2-116) was the sole wickettaker of the morning, with Hanuma Vihari (42) caught at short leg by Marnus Labuschagne. Vihari was adamant he didn’t hit the ball and immediately reviewed the decision, but it was upheld when snicko showed a noise.

That noise, however, seemed to come after the ball had passed his bat .... and there’s definitely an argument that he could have been given not out.

Will Swanton 12.13pm: Aussies staring down the barrel

India can kill this Test series today. If they push on to the vicinity of 500, it’s all over — they’ll win a series for the first time on Australian soil. With 500 runs in the bank, they’ll have chewed up the best part of two days. Australia will then have to bat aggressively to get anywhere close to that total, while still having enough to win the Test and level the series. That’s complicated by certain Australian players being on trial here … are they going to want to sacrifice their wicket? They don’t have the luxury of being content with a draw. India will be more than happy to let Australia bat slowly and for a long time. There’s two teams out there … but only one of them needs to win this match.

Daniel Sankey 12.08pm: Pujara, Pant press on

We’re about 25 minutes out from the lunch break and with the loss of just Hanuma Vihari (42) this morning, it’s been India’s session. They’ve moved along to 5-367, with Cheteshwar Pujara on 168 not out and Rishabh Pant on 18 from just 23 deliveries.

Nathan Lyon (2-102) has been the sole wickettaker for Australia this morning, while Josh Hazlewood (2-63) is into his second spell of the day. He’s now clocked up 143 overs for the series.

Will Swanton 11.35am: The Marnus mystery revealed

Here’s the thing about Marnus Labuschagne’s selection — he would not be in the Australian side at all if the Test wasn’t being played at the SCG. That’s the root cause of the bewilderment that he’s batting in the prestigious position of No.3.

Rather than picking a second specialist spinner on a traditionally turning track, Australia has opted for Labuschagne as a second slow bowling option — and said you know what, you can bat No.3 as well. And yet at any other ground in Australia, Labuschagne wouldn’t be anywhere in the side because his spin bowling wouldn’t be needed. Go figure.

For now, he resembles a nightwatchman by another name. The pitch looks immaculate. Barely a scratch on it. If any Australian is going to make a big hundred, today’s the day.

Australia's Marnus Labuschagne takes the catch to dismiss India's Hanuma Vihari off the bowling of Nathan Lyon. Picture: Phil Hillyard
Australia's Marnus Labuschagne takes the catch to dismiss India's Hanuma Vihari off the bowling of Nathan Lyon. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Daniel Sankey 11.25am: WICKET! Lyon nabs Vihari

Off spinner Nathan Lyon has the first breakthrough of the morning, with Hanuma Vihari (42 from 96 deliveries) caught at short leg by Marnus Labuschagne. The Indians reviewed the decision, but replays showed a faint nick off the bat before the ball cannoned into Vihari’s shoulder and was snaffled by Labuschagne. India are now 5-329, with Cheteshwar Pujara (151 not out) joined in the middle by Rishabh Pant.

Daniel Sankey 11.20am: 150 for Pujara

The runscoring feats of Cheteshwar Pujara continue at the SCG, with the Indian No.3 bringing up his 150 with a glorious drive off the bowling of Nathan Lyon.

Pujara is 151 not out (282 deliveries) and he’s also brought up the hundred partnership with Hanuma Vihari, who’s on 42 not out and slowly closing in on a half century.

India are 4-328 in the 102nd over.

Cheteshwar Pujara celebrates his 150. Picture: Fox Sports
Cheteshwar Pujara celebrates his 150. Picture: Fox Sports

Daniel Sankey 11.11am: Brakes on at the SCG

Australia have well and truly put the brakes on early on Day 2 at the SCG. The Indian pair of Cheteshwar Pujara (142 not out) and Hanuma Vihari (42 not out) have only managed to add 16 runs in the first 40 minutes today, India moving to 4-319 as Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins bowled miserly spells.

Tim Paine has just called Nathan Lyon into the attack.

Richie Benaud fans cheer on Australia during day two of the fourth Test at the SCG. Picture: Brett Costello
Richie Benaud fans cheer on Australia during day two of the fourth Test at the SCG. Picture: Brett Costello

Daniel Sankey 10.42am: Back underway at the SCG

It’s been a terrific start to the day’s play by Josh Hazlewood, who’s unlucky to not have his third wicket of the innings. He beat the bat of Hanuma Vihari twice in his first over the day ... firstly with a ball that jagged back between bat and pad and then with a ripper that straightened off the pitch and just missed the outside edge.

Pat Cummins is bowling at the other end, meaning Mitchell Starc will have to wait for his chance with the ball until later in the morning.

India are 4-308, with Vihari on 39 not out and Cheteshwar Pujara on 135 not out.

Will Swanton 10.20am: Aussie quicks given a rocket

Australia’s fast bowlers have been given a rocket after their disappointing effort on the opening day. Test bowling coach David Saker has said in a radio interview this morning that the bowling group didn’t always sit down for a collective de-brief after a day’s play — but they did yesterday.

“Some of it was quite aggressive,” Saker said. “I was quite animated. That’s not normally like me.”

Australian bowling coach David Saker was disappointed with the efforts yesterday of fast bowlers Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins Picture: Getty Images
Australian bowling coach David Saker was disappointed with the efforts yesterday of fast bowlers Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins Picture: Getty Images

India resumes at 4-303 this morning after a wave of criticism for Australia’s errant fast bowling. Too short. Too wide. The most remarkable statistic — of 319 deliveries from the quicks yesterday, only 24 would have hit the stumps.

Daniel Sankey 10am: Pujara’s dominance revealed

Here are the raw numbers that show just how dominant Cheteshwar Pujara has been in this Test series.

India’s No.3 has three centuries to his name this series and an average of more than 75. He will resume on 130 not out this morning and Australia will need to dismiss him quickly if they’re to be a chance of winning this Test match and squaring the series.

9.15am: Agarwal flourishes at top of order

Indian Test rookie Mayank Agarwal has survived and flourished after the most searching pace examination of his career and given Australia’s toiling attack another headache.

With just three innings to his name, the 27 year-old is already the highest-scoring opener of the series with an average of 65 despite not being part of the original touring party.

The right-hander only got called into the squad after highly-rated youngster Prithvi Shaw suffered a tour ending ankle injury.

But he has already outscored KL Rahul and the axed Murali Vijay, who average 12 and 11 respectively, as well as Australian duo Marcus Harris (29.5) and Aaron Finch (16.16).

He followed up an impressive debut Test double of 76 and 42 at the MCG with a stylish 77 on day one of the final match of the series at the SCG yesterday. Agarwal smashed two straight sixes off spinner Nathan Lyon before being caught at long on attempting a third.

But before those post-lunch pyrotechnics, he had to graft his way through a barrage of sustained short-pitched bowling.

Agarwal said he faced some hostile short pitched bowling in recent A games against New Zealand, but that wasn’t on the same level as trying to deal with Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.

“I think the Aussies came really really hard with their bowling,” Agarwal said.

Mayank Agarwal negotiates a short delivery from Mitchell Starc yesterday. Picture: Fox Sports
Mayank Agarwal negotiates a short delivery from Mitchell Starc yesterday. Picture: Fox Sports

“A lot of quick bouncers, they were pretty sharp there and they were all consistent there, they didn’t give absolutely nothing away.” He put on 116 for the second wicket with centurion Cheteshwar Pujara after the hapless Rahul fell cheaply once again.

India will look to build on a promising platform having scored 4-303 after skipper Virat Kohli won the toss.

AAP

8.54am: Early look at Day 2 pitch at SCG

Will Swanton 7.30am: Will Labuschagne repay the faith?

One massive question hangs over the SCG today. Is the selection of Marnus Labuschagne as Australia’s No.3 Test batsman inspired or an absolute clanger? He’s been picked on a hunch rather than demanding selection on form. His first-class batting average is mediocre in the 30s. His leg-spin bowling has been treated with absolute disdain by the Indians. Assuming he bats at some stage today, the most intense microscope will be on him — and the selectors. He may not be in the top 20 batsmen in the country … and yet he’s been given the position normally reserved for the best batsman in any side.

Marnus Labuschagne prepares to bowls yesterday. Picture: AFP
Marnus Labuschagne prepares to bowls yesterday. Picture: AFP

If the experiment fails, Australia’s selectors and coach Justin Langer — the architect of the character over cover drives mantra — will be diving under the table in embarrassment. But if he makes a score and looks the part, what a masterstroke. All will be revealed. If he can make runs under this sort of spotlight against an upbeat Indian side chasing a first series triumph in Australia, he’s a keeper.

There’s plenty to look forward today. Cheteshwar Pujara’s resumption on 130. The response of Australia’s bowlers to being likened by India to New Zealand A. But top of the list is Labuschagne’s attempt to prove he deserves to be out there. Character over cover drives? He needs both.

7.15am: Finch must be in middle order, coach says

Victoria coach Andrew McDonald insists axed Australian opener Aaron Finch remains good enough to play Test cricket if given an opportunity to bat down the order.

Finch is set to return to white-ball cricket after being dropped from Australia’s XI for the fourth Test against India in Sydney.

Australia’s limited-overs captain averaged just 16.16 and passed 50 just once in an underwhelming first series on home soil.

The question remains whether Finch — dismissed by pace bowlers five out of six times against India — would have fared better in the middle order as has long been the case for Victoria, who are adamant he is not suited to opening. McDonald, who defied Australia coach Justin Langer by refusing to bat Finch as an opener in his final Sheffield Shield match before the first Test, believes the 32-year-old deserves another shot.

Man that should be in the middle … Australian batsman Aaron Finch. Picture: Getty Images
Man that should be in the middle … Australian batsman Aaron Finch. Picture: Getty Images

“Would I have loved to have seen him get an opportunity in the middle order? The answer to that’s probably yes,” McDonald said.

“Did I love seeing him play Test cricket? Yes — so if he wasn’t going to bat in the middle, I would have preferred him to open than not play at all.

“Justin thought he was the right man for the job at that time … it didn’t quite work out.

“They’ve obviously made some changes now but I still think he’s good enough to play Test cricket.”

Former national coach Darren Lehmann argued before the Sydney Test that Australia should retain Finch but shuffle him down to No.5.

Finch’s vulnerability against the new ball was exposed brutally in the first Test in Adelaide when he was dismissed for a third-ball duck, losing two of his stumps while attempting a loose cover drive to an Ishant Sharma delivery.

Victoria and Renegades coach Andrew McDonald. Picture: Alan Barber
Victoria and Renegades coach Andrew McDonald. Picture: Alan Barber

“We see him being him destructive against the ball that’s probably not moving as much,” McDonald said.

“The higher up you go, you get tested with the way you play and we believe that for Victoria he can really take down spin.

“We think he’s a really good player of spin and he can turn games at four, five and six.” Finch will represent Melbourne Renegades in their BBL clash against Hobart Hurricanes on Monday before returning to Sydney for the ODI series against India.

His availability beyond that depends on whether he is picked for the Tests against Sri Lanka — a series that will play a key role in cementing Australia’s squad for the Ashes.

AAP

7am: Waugh name returns at SCG

The famous Waugh name has returned to the Australian team’s dressing room at the SCG, with Steve’s son Austin listed as an emergency fielder for the fourth Test against India.

Fifteen years after his father and former captain Steve played his last Test on the same ground against the same team in 2004, Austin sat on the boundary and at times ran drinks for Australia yesterday.

It is common practice for the Australian side to call upon young local players as emergency fielders and extra members of the squad, especially with the willingness to release dropped players back to the Big Bash League. Waugh is seen as one of the emerging talents in NSW, having represented Australia at last year’s under-19s World Cup.

The 19-year-old also took a fantastic catch at the SCG just last month, playing alongside Steve Smith in Sutherland’s Twenty20 grade cricket title success at the ground.

It is more likely he or one of the two other young emergency fielders would be called upon later in the match, once the official 12th man Peter Siddle is released back to Adelaide in the BBL.

Austin Waugh runs drinks for Australia on day one of the fourth Test. Picture: Getty Images
Austin Waugh runs drinks for Australia on day one of the fourth Test. Picture: Getty Images

AAP

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