IND v AUS 2023: WATCH - Steve Smith grabs one-handed stunner to end Pujara's defiant knock

Australia need 76 runs to win the Indore Test.

Steve Smith celebrates the catch | Getty Images

Australia dominated proceedings for much of the second day's play, like they did on the first day, to put themselves on the verge of a win in Indore. The visitors will need 76 runs on Day 3 to stay alive in the series and reduce India's lead to 2-1.

Resuming at 156/4, Australia did well to add 30 runs without any loss of wickets at drinks in the first session, but then collapsed to lose 6 for 11, with Umesh Yadav and R Ashwin picking up three wickets each to limit the deficit to 88.

India had a job to do with the bat, but like the first innings the batting once again succumbed to the relentless pressure put on by the visitors on a track becoming increasingly difficult to survive on. Pujara held his end up to score his 35th Test half-century, but had very little support at the other end to transfer the pressure back on Australia.

WATCH – Kohli walks away from DRS discussion after getting out to poor shot; lifts his bat in anger

His fighting knock ended when on 59, as Australia's stand-in captain Steve Smith plucked an incredible one-handed catch at leg-slip off Nathan Lyon to ensure the batter couldn't take the lead past three figures with the lower order. Lyon finished with stunning figures of 8/64 and became the highest wicket-taker in Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

India were bowled out for 163 just before stumps and Australia will begin their chase in the morning in pursue of what should be only the third Test win by any visiting side in India since 2013.

 
 

By Saurabh Malhotra - 02 Mar, 2023

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