Twitter reactions: Axar Patel help India fight back against Australia on Day 2

Resuming their innings on 21 runs, India failed to carry the momentum on Day 2 of the second Test at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi and finished one run behind Australia as they were bowled out for 262. Axar Patel was the only batter for the hosts to hit a half-century. He scored resilient 74 runs to help India fight back after a shaky start.

Axar smashed nine fours and three sixes in his innings and was well supported by Ravichandran Ashwin, who scored a decent 37 runs off 71 deliveries. Meanwhile, Nathan Lyon took a fifer for Australia and helped his team dominate the hosts on Day 2 of the game. Lyon single-handedly cleaned up India’s top order and bagged the wickets of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Cheteshwar Pujara. The 36-year-old later also went to get rid of Shreyas Iyer and Srikar Bharat.

Apart from Lyon, Matthew Kuhnemann and Todd Murphy picked two scalps each for Australia.

Returning to bat after bundling out India, the visitors opted for a bazball approach and scored quick-fire 61 runs for the loss of one wicket in 12 overs. At stumps, Travis Head was unbeaten on 39, while Marnus Labuschagne scored 16 not out. However, the highest run-getter for Australia in their first innings, Usman Khawaja, was dismissed cheaply by Ravindra Jadeja as Iyer pulled off a stunner to send the Aussie opener back to pavilion.

Australia now lead India by 62 runs and will look to build on to the good start when they come back on Day 3 to resume their second innings.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

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Lyon was on the charge before Axar and Ashwin stopped him. Superb partnership 👏🏽😄 #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/6nAFULSWl3

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) February 18, 2023

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India 139/7. Ash Anna and Axar: pic.twitter.com/uZ2AYc8MtZ

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) February 18, 2023

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Australia lead by 62 runs.#INDvAUS Scorecard: #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/sffjHBanNZ

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 18, 2023

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There was a time Australia were way ahead of the rest in playing mind games. Now they are getting a taste of their own medicine. Brilliant from Axar Patel …isse kehte hain kehkar….
Mazaa aa gaya pic.twitter.com/FRdVmZRlZj

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) February 11, 2023

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Double A batteries Ash n Axar, powered up the 🇮🇳 stand! 💯🤝 #INDvAUS #WhistlePodu 🦁💛
📸: @BCCI pic.twitter.com/XGRyJRZkYu

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) February 18, 2023

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End of an extraordinary knock from Axar Patel, 74 runs when India was down & out in the Delhi test. He has given a great chance for India. pic.twitter.com/SW8fUhqxff

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 18, 2023

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Well played, Axar. Only half century in India’s innings. Scored the match-winning 80+ in the last game too. What an asset he’s turning out to be for India at home… 👏👏#IndvAus #BGT

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 18, 2023

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Axar Patel scored 74 in 115 balls with 9 fours and 3 sixes. What a knock by Axar, under pressure when India were struggling, he stepped up and put on a show.

Well done, Axar! pic.twitter.com/GFloGWc5I9

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 18, 2023

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🌟 STELLAR KNOCK! Axar scored his 3rd Test fifty with that fighting innings.

🙌 What a gritty performance from him!

📷 BCCI • #AxarPatel #INDvAUS #AUSvIND #BorderGavaskarTrophy #TeamIndia #BharatArmy pic.twitter.com/8ViRZZtteP

— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) February 18, 2023

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Australian after seeing Ashwin and Axar batting at no.8 and 9
Bowlers kab aayenge inke pic.twitter.com/ZujadsZ19A

— Lokesh Saini (@LokeshVirat18K) February 18, 2023