IND vs AUS Day 2 Live: Ravindra Jadeja gives team India a moment of relaxation with crucial breakthrough in WTC Finals

In a high-stakes battle at the World Test Championship (WTC) Finals, Ravindra Jadeja provided a moment of relief for Team India as Australia found themselves eight wickets down on the second day of the match. Jadeja’s crucial breakthrough came in the form of a dismissal as Alex Carey fell victim to an lbw appeal. The dismissal marked a turning point in the game, adding to the excitement and tension surrounding this highly anticipated clash.

The delivery from Jadeja was a non-turner, directed straight at the stumps at a modest pace of 91 kilometers per hour. Carey attempted a reverse-sweep but failed to connect, leading to a loud appeal for lbw. The on-field umpire remained unconvinced, prompting India to take the decision upstairs for a review. The replay confirmed that there was no bat or glove involved in the dismissal. The first impact was on Carey’s right leg, and ball-tracking technology, HawkEye, revealed that it was hitting the leg stump. The successful review ended Carey’s innings at 48 runs, including seven boundaries and a six.

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Before the lunch break, India had a challenging start to the day as their bowler Mohammed Siraj served up two half-volleys, allowing the Australian batsman Steve Smith to reach his 31st Test century. However, the Indian bowlers quickly regrouped and found their rhythm, bowling at a good length and eventually reaping rewards.

The long-standing partnership between Smith and Travis Head, which had amassed an impressive 285 runs, was finally broken when Head gloved a short ball to the wicketkeeper. Cameron Green’s dismissal followed shortly after, as he fell victim to an ambitious drive, cutting short his innings. Shardul Thakur emerged as a key contributor for India, luring Smith into a false shot that resulted in the Australian batsman’s departure after a well-earned 121 runs. Axar Patel’s exceptional fielding skills played a crucial role in dismissing Mitchell Starc, further denting Australia’s progress.

At the lunch break, Australia’s total stood at 422 for 7, placing them in a dominant position in the contest thus far.