Before being dismissed on a Jadeja delivery, Clarke played an aggressive knock that consisted of nine fours and a six. PHOTO: BCCI
Despite a determined batting display by Australia captain Michael Clarke, a fine bowling spell by India’s bowlers forced the tourists to wrap up their first-innings on 237 for nine on the opening day of the Hyderabad Test, according to Sky Sports.
Fast-bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked up three wickets early on to reduce Australia to 63 for four before Clarke (91) and Matthew Wade (62) put on 145 for the fifth wicket.
However, the dismissal of Wade off a Harbhajan Singh delivery led to a rapid five-wicket fall for 28 runs, with Ravindra Jadeja claiming three scalps. Clarke then declared on 237 to nine to hand India three tricky overs which they played out for five at no loss.
Speaking to Sky Sports at the close of play, Wade said Australia were happy with their batting performance.
“In the last 90 minutes of the day, the pitch started to take more turn,” said Wade. “We think 237 is enough if we bowl well. We need to hit the stumps and create opportunities for ourselves.”
Meanwhile, Kumar said his main aim was to bowl ‘within the stumps’ and that helped him pick up three top-order Australia wickets
“Something always happens during first hour,” said Kumar. “So I tried to bowl within the line of stumps. Since the wicket was slow in nature and the odd ball was keeping low, it (the plan) came off well.
“We all know that spinners dominate in Indian conditions so it’s good if medium pacers can get at least two wickets.”
He added that he was pleased at getting the chance to topple the tourists’ top order.
“All three wickets were satisfying. (David) Warner, (Ed) Cowan and (Shane) Watson have been scoring runs for Australia and I was happy to dismiss all three of them. It was always a dream to play Test for India and I was very happy when I got my first wicket. It could not have been better than this.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 3rd, 2013.
Correction: An earlier version of the article incorrectly stated that Australia was put on "45 for the fifth wicket" instead of 145.
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@ET It should be 'put on 145 for the fifth wicket' not 'put on 45 for the fifth wicket'