20-Oct-2008 87
India were five wickets away from a memorable win in the second cricket Test against Australia at Mohali today.
Chasing 516 for an improbable win, Australia got off to a rousing start before Harbhajan mowed down the top order with his triple strikes and Ishant had them in complete disarray dealing a double jolt on the penultimate day.
Their top order blown away, Australia were gasping for breath at 141 for five wickets when stumps were drawn. Michael Clarke (42) and Brad Haddin (37) would return tomorrow, hoping to delay the inevitable.
With a 201-first innings lead behind them, India declared their second essay at 314 for three with Gautam Gambhir (104), Virender Sehwag (90) and Mahendra Singh Dhoni (68 not out) scoring bulk of the runs at a brisk pace.
A 16th Test century could have been the perfect way to celebrate his 30th birthday but Sehwag nonetheless figured prominently in the 182-run opening partnership with a sterling 122-ball 90 which was studded with eight boundaries.
Meanwhile, the selectors today retained the same Indian squad for the final two Tests against Australia at Delhi (Oct 29) and Nagpur (Nov 6). Leg spinner Amit Mishra will stay back with the team and he will be replaced by Delhi spinner Chitanya Nanda in the Challenger Series to be held in Cuttack.
Squad: Anil Kumble (capt), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Sourav Ganguly, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, Amit Mishra, RP Singh, S Badrinath, Munaf Patel.
