Australia vs India 2018-19, 2nd Test: 5 talking points from Day 2

#3 Kohli-Pujara keep India in the game

India two down early in the innings. India’s number three and four fight it out in the middle and save India from a spot of bother, if not put them in a commanding position.

This is a template that has featured in some of India’s best comebacks, especially in the late 90s and early 2000s.

Today was another such day where India’s number three Cheteshwar Pujara and captain Virat Kohli pulled India out of trouble. The duo joined hands when India were 8/2 and right away a push-drive from Kohli down the ground brought some calmness among the chaos.

Kohli later took on Josh Hazelwood as he scored three consecutive boundaries which included a drive on the up and two Kohliesque mid-on flicks off half-volleys. Pujara, meanwhile, went about things in his own usual way as he held one end up.

The two were tested thoroughly as they went through some dry spells, especially against Nathan Lyon. The partnership ended as Pujara was strangled down the leg-side by a short ball from Starc, but they had seen through the danger period and set a platform for India to capitalize on.