Australia 50-2 chasing 516-run victory target

MOHALI, India - Offspinner Harbhajan Singh struck twice in the final over before tea to leave Australia at 50 for 2 wickets Monday chasing an imposing victory target of 516 in the second cricket test against India.

By (AP)

Published: Mon 20 Oct 2008, 3:03 PM

Last updated: Sun 5 Apr 2015, 11:07 AM

Having seen India rush to 314-3 before its declaration in the middle session, Matthew Hayden and Simon Katich tried to make an early statement by out-muscling the opening bowlers.

The brief burst ended when Harbhajan was introduced after seven overs and Hayden, who blasted 29 off 20 balls, was trapped lbw attempting to sweep.

Five balls later, Katich miscued a drive at Harbhajan on 20 and was taken spectacularly by a diving Sachin Tendulkar at short cover. The dual loss continued Australias poor performance in the test.

Opener Gautam Gambhir produced his second century during the start of India's brutal demolition, which concluded when Mahendra Singh Dhoni decided to end Australias punishment an over after drinks in the middle of the second session.

Left-hander Gambhir combined with Virender Sehwag in a stunning 182-run partnership for the first wicket that deflated the already struggling tourists.

Sehwag provided most of the power, but Gambhir stayed longer than his partner as India prepared to set Australia a massive victory target.

After losing Sehwag, Gambhir moved to his century with a boundary through mid-wicket off White shortly before lunch. He had struck seven fours during his 136-ball stay, but left two deliveries later when he chipped to mid-off while on 104.

Gambhir's half-century came in the fourth over of the day, and in the next over he hit legspinner White for a straight six that lost the ball. Fifteen runs were struck off White's six balls and he also experienced harsh treatment from Sehwag.

Sehwag smashed 90 from 122 deliveries before his aggressive knock ended when Peter Siddle had him caught behind by Brad Haddin.

Gambhir and Sehwag scored at will and had 60 runs from the first ten overs of the morning against a wilting attack.

Dhoni ensured the momentum was maintained when he grabbed 68 from 84 balls to add to his 92 in the first innings.

Australia started with bowlers Shane Watson and White before Mitchell Johnson was introduced. Spearhead Brett Lee, who suffered a right hand injury in the first innings, did not bowl until after lunch.

Lee removed Sourav Ganguly (27) when he skied to Michael Clarke at point. Tendulkar scored 10 before the declaration, leaving Australia to face 46 overs before the end of the day.