Cricket: Shaky India toil in final Test

Australia grab two early wickets after declaring on 604 for 7.

ADELAIDE: Double centuries by Michael Clarke and Ricky Ponting and another shaky start by India’s stuttering batsman left the visitors under pressure in the fourth Test against Australia in Adelaide.

Captain Clarke declared for the second time in the one-sided series – this time at 604 for seven – before his bowlers claimed the wickets of under-fire opener Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid to put the hosts well on top at the end of the second day.

India were 61 for two with Sachin Tendulkar, chasing his elusive 100th international century, unbeaten on 12 and Gautam Gambhir 30 not out.

Earlier, Clarke amassed 210 and Ponting hit 221 in an Australian innings that had the beleaguered Indians toiling in the field for 10-and-a-half hours.

“It was probably more about the runs, trying to get to 600,” said Clarke. “We still had plenty of time left in the day and to take those two key wickets is a really good start for us but there’s a lot of work still to be done.”

Sharma still upbeat about India’s chances

India fast-bowler Ishant Sharma, however, remained hopeful of his side’s comeback in the match.

“In 2003 here, Australia scored 550-odd and we won the game,” said Sharma. “I think there’s a positive you can take out of that. Everyone is positive and looking forward to a good next three days.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 26^th, 2012.