Indians in form ahead of first Test against Australia

Adelaide, Dec 5 (IANS) The second and final two-day tour game before India's first Test against Australia ended in a draw with the Indians well in control of the proceedings at the Gliderol Stadium here Friday.

Indian batsmen posted 375 at tea on the second day, in reply to Cricket Australia (CA) XI's 243 and reduced the hosts to 83/5 in their second innings at the end of play.

Frontline batsmen Murali Vijay (60), Virat Kohli (66) and Ajinkya Rahane (56) all hit half-centuries before being retired out as Indian batters got vital batting ptactice ahead of the first Test starting Dec 9. Wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha was also among runs, hitting 51.

India reached 4-236 at lunch on Friday with Vijay and Kohli sharing a 123-run stand, steadying India's innings after the visitors slumped to 36/2 on day one. After the duo's departure, another leading batsman Rohit Sharma also fine tuned himself with a solid knock of 48.

Indian bowlers then extended their impressive first-innings form, dismissing the top half of the home team's batting line-up in just 21 overs, conceding 83 runs.

All four bowlers were among wickets with Ishant Sharma leading the charge, claiming two wickets for eight runs in his five overs.

The only bright spot for CA XI was opening batsmen Jordan Silk, who was unbeaten on 41 after scoring 58 in the first innings.

Brief Scores: Cricket Australia XI 243 and 83/5 (Jordan Silk 41 not out, Ishant Sharma 2/8)
Indians 375 (Murali Vijay 60, Virat Kohli 66 and Ajinkya Rahane 56).