What a surprise? Shardul Thakur and Ajinkya Rahane has so far piled up 77 runs for the 7th wicket. And more importantly, they have piled up all these runs in just above 16 overs. India can't expect the remaining tailenders to add a lot many runs, but if these two stays there for another hour or so, then the follow on can be avoided. And if the Shami and Siraj can lead a fightback sometime today (with the ball obviously), then there are still chances for India. BTW, where is Boland? Other bowlers are looking pretty much ineffective for Australia.
India has saved the follow-on however the set batsmen Rahane is out on 89 runs and all of a sudden India are again in trouble. Let's suppose Australia take the 150 runs lead in the 1st innings, the match will still be in their favor. Shardul Thakur is playing on 41 and he deserves a 50 today.
Let's see if at any point India can come back and dominate this match, Right now it is all Aussie's show but India trying to chip in, trying to resist but the Aussies are too strong.
If they fall behind Australia in the first innings, the second innings will be very difficult for India. Because if Australia is 150 runs ahead of India at the end of the first innings then they will start with 151 runs in the second innings and if they can score 400 runs in the second innings then the target for India will be 550 runs which is very difficult to achieve against a team like Australia.
At a cricket ground like The Oval, it is very difficult to win against fast bowling like Australia ignoring such a target. But I am enjoying Shardul Thakur's batting in today's match which should be done by the batsmen Shardul Thakur is doing.
India all out on 296 runs ravindra jadeja tried to make things better but alone he can't do anything, now Australia is on lead of 174 runs and second innings already started.
If they'll bat like first innings 400 is not difficult for them to make but obviously if Indians ballers do something may be they can give tough time to Australia.