Australia beats India by 333 runs with 2 days to spare

Published On: February 25, 2017 05:38 PM NPT By: Associated Press


PUNE, India, Feb 25:  Australia won the first cricket test against India by a massive 333 runs on Saturday with two days to spare, ending the hosts' 20-match unbeaten streak at home.

Chasing an improbable 441 to win in Pune, India was bowled out in its second innings for only 107 runs in 33.5 overs shortly after tea on day three as Australia took an unexpected lead in the four-match series.

Steve O'Keefe again took 6-35 and Nathan Lyon claimed 4-53, as all 10 Indian wickets fell to spin. Indian's innings lasted little more than two hours.

O'Keefe took 12-70 in the match as India lost its first test at home since 2012.

After tea, Australia made short work of the Indian tail. O'Keefe got rid of Cheteshwar Pujara (31), trapping him lbw on the second ball after the break.

Lyon then bowled Ravindra Jadeja (3) and also claimed Jayant Yadav (5) and Ishant Sharma (0).

Earlier, India was reduced to 99-6 at tea after Australia opted for spin from both ends after only two overs from Mitchell Starc.

O'Keefe trapped Murali Vijay (2) lbw and Lyon did the same for Lokesh Rahul (10). Both openers used up DRS reviews in what seemed regulation lbw dismissals.

Virat Kohli (13) and Pujara put on 31 runs for the third wicket. But O'Keefe bowled the Indian skipper in the 17th over, as he shouldered arms to a straight delivery that knocked back his off-stump.

Ajinkya Rahane (18) put on 30 runs with Pujara, but the writing was on the wall when he chipped one off O'Keefe straight to Lyon at cover.

The left-arm spinner then dismissed both Ravichandran Ashwin (8) and Wriddhiman Saha (5) lbw, triggering another Indian collapse. In doing so, O'Keefe became the third Australian spinner to claim 10-plus wickets in a test in India.

Australia scored 260 and 285 in its two innings.

India was all out for 105 in its first innings.

The second test starts in Bangalore on March 4.


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