Some indifferent batting from the Australians leave the third Test in the balance.
After Day One of the third Test in Mohali was rained off, Australia were keen to score runs after winning the toss and choosing to bat.
Openers Ed Cowan and David Warner got off to a flyer, as the tourists reached 139 without loss.
Then the Indian spinners struck again with Ravindra Jadeja taking the wicket of Warner, who was caught behind.
Captain Michael Clarke had moved himself up to number three for this Test but was out the very next ball, MS Dhoni reacting quickly to stump the Aussie skipper.
Phillip Hughes could only add two more runs to the score as he fell victim to another spinner – Pragyan Ojha – and suddenly Australians found themselves at 151-3.
Steven Smith was recalled to the side after the suspension of Usman Khawaja, with the batsman not playing since his disappointing Ashes series in 2011.
Smith was clearly looking to prove a point as he batted out the rest of the day, reaching his half-century and going into day three with 58 runs.
Australia lost the wickets of Cowan, the returning Brad Haddin, Moises Henriques and Peter Siddle before the close of play though.
After Henriques impressive performances with the bat so far this series, the all-rounder was out for a duck after only facing only two balls, as was Siddle.
The visitors finished the day with Smith and Mitchell Starc at the crease, with the bowler racing to 20 off just 21 balls.
Jadeja had the best figures of the day from the Indian bowling attack with 3-56.
Australia will be hoping Smith can stay at the wicket for as long as possible when they resume day three, as he is now the only recognised batsman left.
COMMENTS