During the second day of the Nagpur Test, India dominated the game with a clinical performance by their skipper, Rohit Sharma, who scored a masterful 120 runs. Additionally, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel contributed with half-centuries, leading India to a 144-run lead over Australia.
Debutant Todd Murphy was Australia’s best bowler with five wickets, however, as the day progressed, India asserted their control over the match. The eighth-wicket partnership between Jadeja and Patel was worth 81 runs and provided India with a strong position towards the end of the day. Patel secured his second Test fifty and Jadeja achieved his 18th as India’s lead increased on a challenging pitch.
Rohit set the tone for India’s batting with his display against the spinners on a turning pitch. Murphy was responsible for putting India in difficult situations during the first two sessions, but Rohit’s landmark century helped India take the lead. Rohit was well supported by Jadeja, who managed to hit boundaries and even survived a close LBW review against Murphy.
In the morning, Ashwin and Rohit started well and put up useful runs early on, with both players fortunate enough to get boundaries off outside edges. However, Murphy’s wickets broke their partnership, and India lost half of their side while trailing by 8.
Cheteshwar Pujara tried to be proactive and managed to hit a boundary early on, but he ended up trying to sweep a delivery and was caught by the short fine leg, giving Murphy his third wicket. Rohit remained mostly error-free and guided India expertly through the three sessions, but his dismissal on 120 by Pat Cummins with the second new ball opened the door for Australia.
Australia’s hopes were dashed when Patel played in a stoic manner and hit his stride against a tiring attack. Furthermore, Jadeja was dropped by Smith in the last over, leaving India with a good chance of building on their lead on the third day.
In conclusion, the current score stands with Australia having 177 all out, with Marnus Labuschagne scoring 49 runs and Jadeja taking 5 wickets. India is 226/5, with Rohit Sharma scoring 120 runs, Jadeja 66, Patel 52, and Murphy taking 5 wickets for 82 runs.