Australia reach 405/6 as rain stops play

Adelaide, Dec 10 (IANS) Rain affected the morning session play of the second day of the first test between India and Australia as only 12.2 overs were possible with Australia reaching 405 for six in their first innings of the first Test at the Adelaide Oval here Wednesday.

Play started ten minutes late as overnight batsman Steve Smith (unbeaten 98) walked out with skipper Michael Clarke (unbeaten 85) and the duo did well to help their team reach the 400-run mark before drizzle forced another break.

The 33-year-old Clarke, who was retired hurt Tuesday at an individual score of 60 due to a back spasm, battled pain and gave good support to Smith, who looked comfortable against the Indian bowlers.

After Mohammed Shami bowled four deliveries to complete the 90th over, Smith started the day with a cut through backward point off a short ball from Ishant Sharma. He hit Ishant again with a cracking punch through the covers as the Indian persisted with short and wide deliveries.

Clarke also hit couple of boundaries off Shami. Even though he lacked in footwork and body movement due to the injury that has been troubling him the last couple of years, he trusted on his class and experience to keep the Indians at bay. He stood on the crease to fend off the Indian pacers, who were short on discipline and fire.

The 25-year-old Smith, on the other hand, utilized the space of the crease to nice effect and is now two runs short of his possibly fifth century in Test cricket.