Gajendra bundles out Australia for 218

Jaipur, Sep 27 (UNI) Indian spinners were going to create havoc among the visiting Australian team in the forthcoming test series as left arm spinner Gajendra Singh (5 for 58) bundled out them for a paltry 218 on the first day of their two-day warm up tie against Rajasthan XI at the SMS Stadium here today.

The home team had made 38 for 2 at the draw of stumps with Gagan Khoda and skipper Venugopal Rao each batting on 18.

Gajendra Singh bowled devastatingly on a slow wicket where the ball was keeping low. It became almost difficult for the visitors to face him. He scalped all top Australian batsmen-Matthew Hayden (16), skipper Ricky Ponting (5), Michael Clarke (2), Brad Haddin (21) and Mitchell Johnson (24).

The Australians made a fine start with a good opening partnership of 59 before Matthew Hayden was plumbed lbw to Gajendra for only 16 after having faced 48 balls. New commer Ponting was the next to depart who was caught by Subhanshu Vijay off Gajendra.

Australia then lost the wickets at a regular interval but Simon Katich stood like a rock at the other end. He was ultimately removed by Venugopal Rao caught by Sumit Mathur for 73 (105b,10x4). IPL hero Shane Watson too could not produce a long innings as he was out for 30 (3x4,6x1).

Besides Gajendra Singh, medium pacer Sumit Mathur captured two wickets while Mohan SIngh and Venugopal Rao shared the two wickets.

MORE UNI MY AB HT1934