2nd Test: India in driver’s seat at the end of Day 1

India’s second Test against Australia in Delhi began with hosts’ bowlers restricting the visitors to a modest total of 263 on Day 1.

Opting to bat first, Australia got off to a decent start, adding 50 runs for the opening wicket.

However, the Indian seamers, led by Mohammed Shami, made regular breakthroughs to bring the Aussies down to 94/3 in the first session.

Despite a half-century from Usman Khawaja, Australia collapsed in the middle overs, losing wickets in quick succession.

Khawaja was the standout performer for Australia on Day 1 as he batted with determination and composure.

He handled the Indian spinners Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin with ease and scored a fine knock of 81 runs off 125 balls.

However, his dismissal in the later stages of the innings triggered a collapse, and Australia lost their last five wickets for just 43 runs.

Peter Handscomb played a crucial knock lower down the order for Australia to take his team past the 250-run mark.

He added 59 runs with skipper Pat Cummins (33), followed by short yet pivotal stands with Nathan Lyon and Matthew Kuhnemann.

Handscomb ended up scoring his fifth half-century while remaining unharmed on 72 off 142 deliveries, with 4 9 boundaries.

However, the Indian bowlers did a terrific job, with Shami leading the way with a four-wicket haul.

Veteran off-spinner R Ashwin finished with 3/57. He became the second Indian to claim 100 wickets versus Australia after Anil Kumble (111).

Jadeja also took three wickets, breaching a mark of 250 scalps (252).

In response, India’s openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul played out the remaining overs of the day to take India to 21/0 at stumps.

The duo will look to build on their partnership on Day 2 and put the Aussies under pressure.

Overall, India had a great day on the field, with their bowlers putting in a solid effort to restrict Australia to a modest total.

They will be looking to capitalize on their good start and take control of the game on Day 2.

With the Indian batsmen in good form, Australia will have to come up with a special effort to stay in the game.

India 21 for 0 (Rohit 13*, Rahul 4*) trail Australia 263 (Khawaja 82, Handscomb 72*, Shami 4-60, Ashwin 3-57, Jadeja 3-68) by 242 runs