Twitter Reactions: India pull things back after Aussie openers dominate

The first day of the second Test between Australia and India in Perth turned out to be a roller coaster ride. The pitch had a green tinge to it and the same helped the pacers to a large extent. The new Perth Stadium made its international debut and didn’t disappoint as both teams had their fair share of joy. In the end, Australia ended with the score at 277 for the loss of six wickets.

Harris and Finch look dangerous

Tim Paine’s decision to bat first after winning the toss didn’t backfire on the hosts as Marcus Harris and Aaron Finch took the Indian bowling by the scruff of their necks. They didn’t tread the attacking route but kept the scoreboard moving. The duo notched 66 runs from 26 overs and helped Australia go into Lunch without any hiccup. Meanwhile, the Indian bowlers tried their hearts out without any success.

After the break, the openers frustrated the visiting team and compiled a stand of 112 runs in 35.2 overs. The left-handed Harris also accomplished his maiden Test half-century. At the other end, Finch also looked determined to grind hard, but unfortunately, Jasprit Bumrah accounted for his wicket after the batsman scored 50 runs from 105 deliveries with the help of six graceful boundaries.

India make a comeback

Usman Khawaja was in his shell throughout his 38-ball five and was eventually nipped out by Umesh Yadav, who was included as Ravi Ashwin’s replacement. To add to Australia’s agony, part-timer Hanuma Vihari got the better of Harris as well. A few overs later, Virat Kohli took a stupendous catch in the slip cordon off Ishant’s bowling to send Peter Handscomb, who scored seven runs, packing.

Thereafter, Shaun Marsh and Travis Head put their heads down to resurrect the innings. They put together 84 runs for the fifth wicket. Vihari broke the stand by dismissing Marsh, who racked up 45 runs with 98 balls. Ishant got rid of Head for 58 to help India clinch back the ascendancy. Skipper Tim Paine and Pat Cummins countered the final burst from the Indian fast bowlers to end the day.

Here is how fans reacted after the gripping day

Thanks for all the book love today Sydney ! Gripping test match in Perth, if Australia can make somewhere around 350 – that’s a very good 1st innings score 👍 https://t.co/8A7W0SGvNd

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) December 14, 2018

Aussies are well on top … 250 seems a very very good total … The Pitch has done all sorts … #AUSvIND #Perth

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 14, 2018

Top catch by Rahane. What a time to pick a wicket….new ball only 3 overs away. A part-time spinner has picked two wickets on the opening day…. #AusvInd #7cricket @7Cricket @1116sen

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 14, 2018

A day which saw two contrasting halves. The Aussies started well but India came back strongly. Although Australia have consolidated well to end the day at 277-6. #AUSvIND #FightOfMight

— 100MB (@100MasterBlastr) December 14, 2018

Come on boys, give Bharath Arun some birthday gifts in terms of wickets.#AUSvIND

— Laxman Sivaramakrishnan (@LaxmanSivarama1) December 14, 2018

Good to see the fighting spirit shown by the Indian team after a disappointing 1st session. Taking 3 quick wickets have bought India right back in the game. Test match is about patience and it will be the difference maker. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/HLXeLBrMgM

— VINOD KAMBLI (@vinodkambli349) December 14, 2018

Ishant Sharma goes past the great Joel Garner and @dizzy259 in Test wickets.
Take a bow !#AUSvIND #AUSvsIND

— Yash Agarwalla (@Yashagarwalla) December 14, 2018

Whatta catch.. Enough said..wow @imVkohli #IndiaVsAus #perth #Brilliant

— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) December 14, 2018

I feel the wicket has quickened up a bit and as time goes by, it will only become harder and have more pace and bounce. #INDvAUS

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 14, 2018

Not playing specialist spinner n Perth is reflective of the brain fade of the brains trust on tour OZ..one hopes its not too costly a lapse.! Grass on Perth’s newest wkt turns out a fake warning signal..so far at least..but Physios n both camps will have plenty on their plates.!

— Bishan Bedi (@BishanBedi) December 14, 2018

Great work Finchy 👏🏼 Keep it going

— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) December 14, 2018

The worst thing about India playing all quicks is that it means Rishabh Pant won't be keeping up to the stumps mic. #AUSvIND

— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) December 14, 2018

Advantage #Australia India neither executed their plan A well with the first new ball nor they had a plan B. Good recovery but @cricketcomau ahead. #AUSvsIND #PerthTest #AusvInd

— Manoj Dimri (@manoj_dimri) December 14, 2018

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