Australia managed to take a crucial lead in the second Test in Delhi despite heroics from Axar Patel (74) and R Ashwin (37) after the likes of KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara and Shreyas Iyer failed on Saturday. In response to Australia’s 263, India were bowled out for 262.
India were struggling at one stage and it looked like Australia were on the verge of a massive lead. However, their dreams were dashed by Axar Patel and R Ashwin, who added 114 for the 8th wicket after India had been reduced to 139 for 7. Axar hit a career-best 84 and added 88 for the 8th wicket with Ravindra Jadeja in Nagpur last week. Days later in Delhi, India needed Axar Patel’s batting prowess again and this time, he joined forces with R Ashwin to dig India out of a dangerous position.
