Australia's fragility against spin exposed, 94 for 3 at tea

Hyderabad, Oct 3 (UNI) Board President's XI were in a strong position with a first innings total of 455 and had tightened the screws on the Australians who were reeling at 94 for three at tea on the second day of the four-day match here today.

The Australian captain Ricky Ponting fell to leg-spinner Piyush Chawla just at the stroke of tea, while Mike Hussey was batting on 12.

Matthew Hayden was the first casualty for the visitors after he was caught behind by Parthiv Patel off Irfan Pathan on 20.

Australia's incapability against the spin was well exposed today as the visitng batsmen found tough to handle the Indian spinners.

Simon Katich, who is in race for a place in the Test side, could not take advantage of the opportunity that he got today.

The left-hander fought hard for his 15 but failed to impress the selectors and his dismissal suddenly reduced the visitors at 54 for two.

Left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha accounted for Katich who was more keen to spend time on the wicket than scoring runs.

Ponting looked good to erase his past records in India and runs were flowing from his bat. The Australian captain was in good touch and had five fours and two sixes to his name.

Just when Ponting looked set to go on for a huge score, Chawla cleaned him up as the Indians went into the tea with an upperhand in the match.

Earlier in the morning, Board President's XI added 84 runs to their overnight score of 371 for six.

Parthiv Patel, who was batting on 49 last evening, completed his half century and made a well compiled 62.

The left-hander was finally clean bowled by Peter Siddle and with his dismissal, a 75-run stand between him and Irfan Pathan came to an end. Pathan (56) also made a half century and played a pivotal role in taking the score to 455.

For Australia, Mitchell Johnson was the most successful bowler with four wickets to his name, while Stuart Clark and Peter Siddle claimed three and two wickets respectively.

Score Board Brief scores: Board President's XI, 1st innings, 455 all out. Rohit Sharma 105, Virat Kohli 105, Parthiv Patel 62. Mitchell Johnson 4 for 75.

Australia, 1st innings, 94 for 3. Ricky Ponting 41.

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