Australians humiliated by Indian pair

Australians humiliated by Indian pair

HYDERABAD : Australia's bowlers were put to the sword on the second day of the second Test against India, with Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara combining for an unbeaten 294-run partnership.

Replying to Australia's modest first-innings total of 237, India's day began badly when opener Virender Sehwag was caught behind off Peter Siddle's bowling for six.

It was the only bright spot for Australia, though, and by stumps, India were 74 runs ahead with nine wickets in hand and poised to build a match-winning lead today.

Vijay and Pujara began slowly, adding less than 50 runs in the first session.

They relaxed after lunch, though, with Pujara, in particular, unfurling a range of strokes as the pair's partnership reached 150 runs, steering India to 160-1 at tea.

Australia, having lost the first Test in Chennai after MS Dhoni flayed their attack, made a couple of changes for this match _ regular off-spinner Nathan Lyon was replaced by Xavier Doherty and spinning all-rounder Glenn Maxwell made his debut at the expense of paceman Mitchell Starc.

The two-pronged spin attack caused the Indian batsmen few problems, though, the pair conceding 140 runs from their 36 overs without claiming a wicket.

At stumps, Vijay was 129 and Pujara was 162, having scored more briskly than his partner.

Unless Australia find a way to claim quick wickets today, they are staring down the barrel of a thumping defeat.

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