USMAN Khawaja struck an enterprising 81 and Peter Handscomb made an unbeaten 72 as Australia laboured to a modest 263 all out on the opening day of the second Test against India in New Delhi yesterday.
While the total did not quite vindicate Pat Cummins’ decision to bat first, it was still better than the 177 and 91 Australia managed in their two innings in Nagpur where they were hammered inside three days.
On three occasions Australia lost wickets either in the same or in successive overs.
India hit 21 runs off the last nine overs of the day with skipper Rohit Sharma (13) and KL Rahul (four) both not out at the close.
With all-rounder Cameron Green and paceman Mitchell Starc still recovering from finger injuries, Australia took a bold selection gamble that left Cummins as their lone fast bowler.
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