Labuschagne, Heat hit fifties as Australia take lead

Australia retained firm control of the second Test with a solid batting performance at the start of the second day in Adelaide. Marnus Labuschagne put away some indifferent form to fight his way to a half-century on a ground where he averages over 70. His partnership worth 65 with Travis Head for the fourth wicket helped them offset two early strikes by Jasprit Burmah.

India's morning session was given a boost when Bumrah had Nathan McSweeney caught behind with a ball nipping away and soon after also had Steven Smith caught down the legside, putting Australia in a spot of bother at 103/3. Head was tested early with the round-the-wicket angle by both Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, but managed to see it through. Along with Labuschagne, he saw through that spell to cash in later. Harshit Rana was hit for four fours in an over as Australia cruised ahead after seeing past the initial threat.

But against the run of play, Labuschagne ended up cutting a delivery from Nitish Reddy to Yashasvi Jaiswal at gully. But his departure on 68 did not dent Australia much as Head marched on, getting to his fifth Test fifty against India and second on the trot in the series. It also ensured that Australia took the lead in the first session.

India had a close LBW call against Mitchell Marsh turned down on review with the third umpire controversially deeming that there was no conclusive evidence if Ashwin's ball had struck the pad or bat first. More replays shown by the broadcaster were indicative of the ball striking pad first but India ended up losing the review, capping off a frustrating morning session.

Brief Scores:
India 180 (Nitish Reddy 42; Mitchell Starc 6-48)
trail Australia 191/4 (Marnus Labuschagne 64, Travis Head 53*; Jasprit Bumrah 3-23) by 11 runs