Photograph: Trevor Collens/AP
Here’s Geoff’s report from Perth:
Australia has suffered an extraordinary day of punishment with bat and ball in Perth are now on the brink of a heavy and humiliating defeat.
Despite being without several of their key stars, India have been superb, recovering from their early skittling for 150 in the first innings on day one to dominate every session of the Test thereafter. Australia briefly revived after lunch to pinch four wickets but that was as good as it got for them.
India’s dominant display was led by a magnificent 161 by Yashasvi Jaiswal and a return to form for Virat Kohli who was unbeaten on 100. Wonderful support innings from KL Rahul (77), Devdutt Padikkal (25), Washington Sundar (25) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (38) took them to 487 for 6 – a record total against Australia in Australia.
India then finished it in dramatic style with three wickets in four overs, Jasprit Bumrah turning Nathan McSweeney’s first Test into a nightmare (10 & 0) and then shooting-out Marnus Labsuchagbne (3) with the final ball of the day. In between, Mohammed Siraj found Pat Cummins’ (2) edge after the skipper bravely came out as nightwatchman.
Australia has finished the day in disarray at 12 for 3 needing 522 runs to win.
They face further humiliation tomorrow as a record home defeat looms. Hard questions will be asked about their casual preparations for this important series, their flat body language in the field, and their disappointing play in all facets of the second dig – negative batting, rusty bowling, sloppy fielding and dodgy leadership from the senior men.
It’s been painful to watch if you’re an Australian fan, glorious if you’re cheering Team India. But we go again tomorrow. Perhaps this strange Test has some twists left in it? For now we must call time and retreat with a stiff drink and much to think on. Thanks for your company today and stay tuned for Geoff Lemon’s match analysis coming soon.
Over and OUT!
Updated
