India build impressive lead over Australia

Published on 03/03/2013 23:48

THE outstanding batting of Cheteshwar Pujara and Murali Vijay put India in control of the second Test against Australia as they finished day two on 311 for one, already a lead of 74 runs.

Pujara was unbeaten on 162 while Vijay was not far behind on 129 after a day of delight for India fans in Hyderabad.

They began slowly after Michael Clarke’s surprising declaration on 237 for nine on Saturday night, resuming on five without loss and playing defensively.

After underperforming with the bat, Australia knew they needed to make early inroads and hopes were raised when Virender Sehwag fended behind in the fifth over to depart for six.

But Australia looked short of wicket-takers, with Doherty the only man to even slightly unsettle either batsman although both proved up to the task.

The tourists know they will need to to fix that tomorrow if they are not to let this Test get away from them as the series opener did in Chennai.