खेल और खिलाडी

[bindujain]

Opener Murali Vijay and number three batsman Cheteshwar Pujara batted with a lot of purpose as India took major strides toward winning the second Test against Australia in Hyderabad. The pair got together at 17/1 with Sehwag's wicket and were not-out on 129 and 162 respectively at stumps on Day 2. India scored 311/1 with a lead of 74 runs.

[bindujain]

The day began with both teams observing a minute's silence in remembrance of those killed and to provide strength to those injured in the Hyderabad blasts

[bindujain]

Michael Clarke, skipper of Australia and team mates line up for a minute's silence to honour those killed and injured in the explosions last week in Hyderabad during day 2 of the 2nd Airtel Test match between India and Australia held at the The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium

[bindujain]

Australian keeper Matthew Wade and slip cordon appeal immediately as Sehwag edges one. Siddle seemed a bit doubtful about the edge. Umpire Kumar Dharamsena ruled the Indian opener out though as the ball had clearly deflected off his bat as shown in the subsequent replays.

[bindujain]

The hosts would have pinned high hopes on Sehwag, who has disappointed one and all with his form in the past 18 months or so. Starting in a circumspect manner, Sehwag (6) hanged his bat out to one going away from Siddle to disappoint again.

[bindujain]

Cheteshwar Pujara survived an injury scare as he ran a 'risky' run and David Warner leapt to run him out. The India No.3 possibly landed heavily on his knee and looked in discomfort thereafter. He survived another close run-out appeal before lunch.

[bindujain]

Murali Vijay, who did not exude any confidence at all initially, looked to come into his own as Xavier Doherty was introduced. A few 'dance down the tracks' and positive shots were on view as India crawled to 54/1 at lunch.

[bindujain]

Australia would have harboured hopes of inflicting an Indian batting collapse after Sehwag's dismissal before lunch but Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara came in after the break much more assured and determined. Pattinson and Henriques bowled their hearts out but Indian batsmen were defiant.

[bindujain]

Pujara was struggling with his knee after a bad fall in the first session but did not budge when it came to defending staunchly. He hit his fourth Test hundred along with a single fifty in Tests to guide India.

[bindujain]

Murali Vijay too struck form to hit his second Test century. His other Test hundred too is against the same opposition, 139 at Bangalore in 2010. India won that match.