Australia were bowled out for 243, setting India 287 to win on fourth day of the second Test in Perth. After India conceded a 43-run lead on first innings, Mohammed Shami claimed a career-best 6-56 to restrict the target to fewer than 300. Variable bounce was a big factor as the Australians lost their last six wickets for 51 runs, despite a 36-run final-wicket stand between Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. Usman Khawaja top scored with 72. Earlier, in the morning session, Khawaja and skipper Tim Paine frustrated the Indian bowlers as Australia dominated the session. Khawaja and Paine strung together a solid 70-run partnership for the fifth wicket taking Australia’s total to 190 for four. The hosts also extended their lead to 233 runs in the second innings. Resuming on 132 for four, the hosts scored only 58 runs in the entire session at 1.93 runs per over but ensured that the Indian bowlers tasted no success. The duo played a defensive game, only striking three boundaries in 30 overs of play. Khawaja showed great patience against the Indian pacers leaving almost everything outside the line of the off stump. The 31-year-old in the process got to his 14th half-century off 155 balls. For India, bowlers toiled hard but were not able to provide any breakthroughs. Skipper Virat Kohli and his pace quartet tried everything but were not able to manage any
[“source=cnbc”]
