Ranchi Test: India solid in reply to Australia’s 451

India will be rather pleased with this reply, having lost just one wicket in reply to Australia’s 451. Rahul couldn’t convert his fifty but he did an important job by ensuring a strong opening stand. It gave Virat Kohli peace of mind and more time to let his shoulder heal.

Australia didn’t do too badly, posting 451. They could have posted more, so credit to Jadeja for restricting them. Steve Smith remained unshakeable, staying unbeaten on 178. This pitch is still good for batting, so India will have to make best use of it on day three, before it starts to deteriorate further.

Brief score: India 120/1 (KL Rahul 67, Murali Vijay 42*; Pat Cummins 1/22) in reply to Australia 451 all out (Smith 178*, Maxwell 104, Jadeja 5/124)