WANIA ATHER

PUNE: During second day of the 1^st test between Australia and India, being played here, the later registered a record collapse as Steve O’Keefe pounced to approach his six wicket haul.

Indians were cruising smoothly at 94 for 3 but after scoring 11 more runs off 48 balls the entire team was sent back to pavilion – the worst ever seven wickets fall down for India.

Steve O’ Keefe made his role prominent from bowling side by setting a figure of 6/35 (6 wickets, 35 runs) which is now the 3^rd best figure (of a visiting left arm spinner in India).

Only one player from Indian side, KL Rahul managed to score 20+ (i.e. 64) runs.

Indian team had to call it a day scoring 105 all out. Apart from Rahul’s score the whole team just contributed 41 runs.

Previous records of such collapse for India in Test were against New Zealand in 1990 off 18 balls, England in 1979 and 2011 off 21 balls both times.

This was the third lowest total by team India, (in home as well as abroad) in the last ten years.

Australians scored 260 runs in their 1^st inning and retained the lead of 155 runs before they continue 2^nd inning.

India is looking for a comeback in the game after taking early wickets in 2^nd inning. 

But skipper Steve Smith is demonstrating somber character of a leader with his 59 standing on the pitch.

By the end of Day-2 Australia were 143/4 with a lead of 298 runs and 6 wickets in hand.