The second cricket Test Match at Bangalore is over. It was a see-saw battle in which the Aussies held the upper hand for 3 days but in the end, they lost the cricket test by 75 runs.The series is now tied 1-1 with 2 more tests due to be played. The next test match commences at Ranchi in Eastern india.The Australians really lost the test once they failed to take a sizeable lead in the first innings as they were caught on a wearing pitch in the second innings. They had little chance against the Indian spinners led by Ashwin who took 6-41.

The match

The Australians were off to a flying start when Lyons with figures of 8-50 saw India bowled out for 189. The Australians now had a golden opportunity and should have consolidated their advantage but a hesitant approach saw them restricted to just a lead of 88. To knowledgeable observers, this was not enough as Australia had to bat last and the wicket was going to crumble.

The Aussies had still a grip on the match on the third day when they had taken 4 Indian wickets including the wicket of Virat Kohli the Indian skipper and their best batsman. A century stand, between Pujara and Rahane, took India forward and though the Aussie speedsters struck on the 4th-day the damage had been done.

On a wicket taking spin a lead of 187 was a daunting task.

Crucial 4th day

The Aussies failed on the 4th day and lost the match by 75 runs. All the hard work done by Lyons on the first day was washed away. After the match, the Indian skipper was effusive in his praise for his team. He stated "I think the first session on day two was game-changing for us, we just stopped the momentum for them, there and then.

The moment they did not score big in the first innings [Australia were dismissed for 276], we knew we had a chance in the second innings"

Ranchi test

With this win, India remains top of the rankings in test cricket. The Aussies have their task cut out and despite the loss will enter the third test with confidence. After all, they have won one test match and were ahead in 3 days out of 4 in this test.

Hopefully, the Ranchi test which will be the first ever to be held at this venue will be as thrilling as the first two tests. The Aussies are worthy opponents and Kohli will have to be alert. It's about time he got some runs and the law of averages favors a massive score from him and this will worry the Aussies.