Sehwag shines as Warne wins wicket record
Verinder Sehwag played a materful innings holding the Australians at bay while the rest of team fell around him. At stumps, the Indians held onto a small 56 run lead with 4 wickets still in hand, thanks mainly to Sehwag's 155.After an uncharatceristic slow start, Sehwag broke loose and was punishing all bowlers. Unfortunately, his partners were turning over regularly at the other end with Dravid's 26 being the next best while Sehwag was batting. When Sehwag finally departed for 155, Australia looked like it would clean up the tail quickly.
Mohammad Kaif was not going to waste the opportunity after 3 years out of the test team and batted well with keeper Patel to frustrate the bowlers with a 58 run unbroken partnership. The fielding was well below the Aussies best, with many catches failing to stick. Admittedly, most of the chances were difficult, but the Aussies have the reputation for capitalising on half chances.
On a positive note, Warne broke the world record when Pathan edged to Hayden at slip to boost Warne's wicket tally to 533. He also dismissed Sehwag to finish 2 wickets clear of Muralithuran.
As we head into the third day, the match is fairly even, with India just edging in front. While India have more runs on the board, they have to bat last on a pitch that will be harder and harder to score on. The Aussies need early wickets today and will need to keep the Indian lead as low as possible.
If India are still batting at lunch, then they will be well on their way to levelling the series.
posted by Kevin Paine @ 1:46 pm
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