India vs Australia 2nd Test : Ashwin rattles Australia by getting Labuschagne, Smith in same over

Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat first at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The wicket helped the pacers early on, however, Australia openers David Warner and Usman Khawaja survived the accurate line and length from Mohammed Shami and barrage of bouncers from Mohammed Siraj to forge a 50-run partnership.

But soon Shami got the better of Warner from the round the stump. The ball bowled in the channel outside off caught Warner by surprise and he ended up edging the ball to wicket-keeper Srikar Bharat while on his back foot.

However, another 41-run partnership brewed between Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne. Just when it was settling down well for Australia, off-spinner Ravichandran struck twice in three balls to rattle the visitors. Labuschagne reviewed an lbw decision but the ball-tracker showed three reds, forcing the Australian number three to go back to the pavilion. A ball later, Steve Smith ended up nicking a ball to wicket-keeper Srikar Bharat. The former Australia captain departed for a golden duck. Khawaja, who completed his 20th Test fifty moments later, was joined by Travis Head. At Lunch, they were three down for 94.

Earlier, India batting heavyweight Cheteshwar Pujara was felicitated by the BCCI on the occasion of his 100 Test match for India. The 35-year-old became only the 13th India pacer to achieve the feat.

“It is an honour to receive this cap from you, legends like you have inspired me (on getting the cap from Gavaskar). I wanted to play for India as a youngster but I never thought I'd get to 100 Test matches. Test cricket is the ultimate format for me, it challenges you just like life,” Pujara told Sunil Gavaskar who presented him with his 100th Test cap during the felicitation ceremony.

“To all the youngsters, I'd encourage y'all to work hard to play Test cricket for India. I'd like to thank my wife, my family, everyone in BCCI and all my teammates who've supported me throughout this journey,” he added.