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Posted: 2014-12-18 05:52:00
Josh Hazlewood breaks down bowling and leaves the field during day one of the second Test

Josh Hazlewood breaks down bowling and leaves the field during day one of the second Test. Source: News Corp Australia

FOLLOW the live coverage of day two of the second Test at the Gabba.

Another hot day is expected in Brisbane, with a top temperature of 33C and showers and storms likely.

Play starts at 11am AEDT. Continue the conversation on Twitter @jaibednall

Scroll to the bottom of the page for blow-by-blow coverage.

LIVE SCOREBOARD: AUSTRALIA vs INDIA SECOND TEST

5pm — KITCHEN PREPARES SUB FOR TEST CAULDRON

Nathan Lyon watches as substitute fielder Marnus Labuschagne plucks a screamer.

Nathan Lyon watches as substitute fielder Marnus Labuschagne plucks a screamer. Source: News Corp Australia

A FEW weeks ago he was catching corn in the kitchen and reckoned short leg fielding could never be more fun.

But today Marnus Labuschagne found something that was more fun — doing it in a Test match.

Lubchagne continued the exotic tradition of substitute fieldsman having a moment to cherish with a spectacular catch at the Gabba when he dived forward at short leg to catch Umesh Yadav with his outstretched right hand centimetres above the turf off Nathan Lyon’s bowling.

Labuschagne, who made his Sheffield Shield debut for Queensland this season, hails from Klerksdorp, South Africa, birthplace of iconic anti-apartheid activist Desmond Tutu.

He moved to Queensland with his parents a decade ago as his father worked in the mining industry.

When arriving in Queensland Labuschagne, raised speaking Afrikaans in South Africa, barely spoke English and had trouble understanding it when he went to school.

Check out Labuschagne’s corn catching skills in the video below.

- Robert Craddock

4.40pm — SMITH DEFYING HISTORY ... SO FAR

Steve Smith has started confidently at the Gabba.

Steve Smith has started confidently at the Gabba. Source: News Corp Australia

STEVE Smith has been able to avoid the captain’s curse in his debut innings as skipper so far, moving to 22 not out in the evening session on day two.

It’s the highest score by an Australian player in their first innings as captain since Greg Chappell scored 123 in 1975.

Since then there’s been a string of failures.

Graham Yallop v England, 1978 — 7

Kim Hughes v Pakistan, 1979 — 9

Allan Border v West Indies, 1984 — 21

Mark Taylor v Pakistan, 1994 — 0

Steve Waugh v West Indies, 1999 — 14

Adam Gilchrist v West Indies, 2000 — 9

Ricky Ponting v Sri Lanka, 2004 — 21

Michael Clarke v England, 2001 — 4

Shane Watson v India, 2013 — 17

Steve Smith v India, 2014 — 22 not out

Australia is 3/147. Shaun Marsh is 10 not out.

3.50pm — ROGERS FALLS, AUSSIES 3/121 AT TEA

Chris Rogers was out not long after passing 50.

Chris Rogers was out not long after passing 50. Source: Getty Images

CHRIS Rogers made his first half century since February but lost his wicket just before tea to leave Australia in a vulnerable position at 3/121.

The under-the-pump opener looked good while making 55 from 79 balls but fell to a well-executed Indian plan.

Umesh Yadav targetted Rogers with shortish deliveries angled down the leg side and he gloved one through to keeper MS Dhoni.

It places huge pressure on new skipper Steve Smith (six not out) and recalled Shaun Marsh to post big scores.

3.30pm — WATSON FAILS AGAIN, ROGERS REACHES 50

Shane Watson’s lean patch has continued.

Shane Watson’s lean patch has continued. Source: News Corp Australia

The Indians congratulate Shikhar Dhawan for a well taken catch.

The Indians congratulate Shikhar Dhawan for a well taken catch. Source: News Corp Australia

SHANE Watson has now gone seven innings without a half century after failing to convert another start in Brisbane today.

The No. 3 attempted to hit Indian offspinner Ravi Ashwin down the ground but miscued his shot and was caught at mid-on by Shikhar Dhawan for 25.

Australia is 2/115. Chris Rogers is on his way to a potentially career-saving innings, having recently passed the half century mark.

2.20pm — WARNER FALLS AFTER BRIGHT START

David Warner is out for less than 100 for the first time in the series.

David Warner is out for less than 100 for the first time in the series. Source: News Corp Australia

AUSTRALIA has suffered the crucial loss of David Warner as it begins the long chase of India’s first innings score of 408.

Warner scored 29 runs off 28 balls as the home side raced out of the blocks before top edging an attempted pull shot off Umesh Yadav which looped to Ravi Ashwin.

Australia is 1/47 in the ninth over. Chris Rogers is 16 not out.

1.10pm — INDIA ALL OUT FOR 408

Nathan Lyon finished with three first innings wickets.

Nathan Lyon finished with three first innings wickets. Source: News Corp Australia

AUSTRALIA has completed an impressive comeback in the opening session of day two, taking 6/97 to bowl India out for 408.

Nathan Lyon had Umesh Yadav caught at deep midwicket by Chris Rogers to complete the innings and leave the Aussies in good spirits at the lunch break.

Josh Hazlewood was the star, finishing with figures of 5/68 in his debut Test, but received good support from Lyon (3/105).

Sensational catches by Steve Smith and substitute fielder Marnus Labuschagne highlighted the morning.

Brad Haddin also made history, equalling the Australian record shared by Wally Grout, Rod Marsh and Ian Healy with six catches in an innings.

The wicketkeeper passed England’s Alec Stewart on the most dismissals list during the innings to now sit ninth all-time with 246.

MOST TEST DISMISSALS — TOP 10

Mark Boucher (South Africa) 555

Adam Gilchrist (Australia) 416

Ian Healy (Australia) 395

Rod Marsh (Australia) 355

MS Dhoni (India) 280

Jeff Dujon (West Indies) 270

Alan Knott (England) 269

Matt Prior (England) 256

Brad Haddin (Australia) 246

Alec Stewart (England) 241

http://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/external?url=http://content4.video.news.com.au/foxsports/prod/archive/2014/12/18/DVU_CRI_AUS_IND_DAY_2_2.jpg&width=650&api_key=kq7wnrk4eun47vz9c5xuj3mc

Australia's bowlers have fought back on the second day of the Gabba Test against India, taking a flurry of wickets.

1pm — SUBSTITUTE FIELDER TAKES A BEAUTY

Labuschagne celebrates his catch.

Marnus Labuschagne celebrates his catch. Source: Getty Images

WE’D never heard of him and we’re guessing you hadn’t either but Marnus Labuschagne wrote his name into the history books with a sublime catch of Nathan Lyon this morning.

The South African-born substitute was fielding at bat pad when Varun Aaron popped one up.

He dove full length onto the pitch and just got his fingers under the ball before it hit the ground to reduce India to 9/407.

12.50pm — FIVE FOR HAZLEWOOD

Josh Hazlewood salutes the crowd after claiming his fifth wicket.

Josh Hazlewood salutes the crowd after claiming his fifth wicket. Source: News Corp Australia

AUSTRALIA is firmly into the Indian tail after Josh Hazlewood had MS Dhoni caught behind for 33.

It gave the debutant five wickets and also saw Haddin equal an Australian record for the most catches by a wicketkeeper in a Test innings with six.

The world record is seven.

India is 8/394.

12.45pm — WARNE STANDS BY STARC CRITICISM

Warne checks his phone and enjoys a cigarette at the Gabba yesterday.

Warne checks his phone and enjoys a cigarette at the Gabba yesterday. Source: News Corp Australia

SPIN king Shane Warne says he has the full support of the Australian coaching staff in his assertion that Mitchell Starc’s body language is “soft.”

Warne told Channel Nine this morning that Darren Lehmann and bowling coach Craig McDermott have both been at struggling left-armer Starc to strengthen his presence on the field.

Yesterday Warne said in commentary early in the day when Starc was battling through his first spell that: “His body language has to be tougher. He just looks a bit nonchalant. A bit hunched shoulders. He just looks a bit soft.”

Other commentators like Michael Slater and Mark Taylor agreed with him.

Today Warne stood by his strong criticism and said Lehmann agreed with his observations when they chatted on the phone to clear the air.

“Just to back it up, I spoke to Darren Lehmann last night,” he said.

“I texted Boof and said, ‘mate, do we need to chat or are we good?’

“We spoke and he said, ‘what you said is exactly what we’ve been saying.’

“Craig McDermott the bowling coach and Darren Lehmann have both been working on Mitchell Starc.

“Mitchell Johnson even said last year he had to work on his body language and have a look at how good he is – the best bowler in the world.

“I think all of us in commentary want to be as constructive as we possibly can.

“(I’ve) played a fair bit of cricket, 25 years at the top level, and what I saw with Mitchell Starc was he needs to improve his body language. He needs a better presence and let batsmen know he’s around.

“That’s all I meant by it and I stand by what I said.”

- Ben Horne

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Courier Mail reporter Ben Dorries discusses Shane Warne's comments about Australian Test bowler Mitchell Starc.

12.40pm — A NEW STAR IS BORN

Take a bow, Josh Hazlewood.

Take a bow, Josh Hazlewood. Source: AFP

AUSTRALIA is continuing to ride Josh Hazlewood in the first innings of the second Test and the debutant is continuing to deliver.

Ravi Ashwin became the fast bowler’s fourth victim when another wonderful length ball which moved off the pitch drew him into an edge which flew to Shane Watson at first slip.

Hazlewood (4/62) is carrying Australia’s attack as Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc continue to struggle.

India is 7/385. MS Dhoni is 24 not out.

12.20pm — STARC’S HORROR TEST CONTINUES

There’s been nowhere to hide for Mitchell Starc.

There’s been nowhere to hide for Mitchell Starc. Source: AFP

MITCHELL Starc has been dropped 10 times in his 14 Test career and he’s on his way to axeing number 11.

The pace bowler was a huge topic of conversation on day one after Shane Warne criticised his body language and he struggled with the hot conditions.

The tough times have continued this morning as his first three overs have gone for 27 runs to take his figures to 0/83 from 17 overs.

At a time when Steve Smith needs all his strike bowlers in form because of an injury to Mitch Marsh, Starc is being slapped around by MS Dhoni and Ravi Ashwin.

Mitchell Johnson has also struggled to have an impact.

His figures are 0/81 as India (6/373) looks to regain control after the loss of two early wickets today.

11.40am — SMITH PLUCKS A SCREAMER

Shane Watson and Steve Smith have combined to remove Rohit Sharma.

Shane Watson and Steve Smith have combined to remove Rohit Sharma. Source: News Corp Australia

STEVE Smith continued Australia’s positive start to day two by taking an incredible diving catch off the bowling of Shane Watson to dismiss Rohit Sharma.

Watson’s wide outswinger drew Sharma forward and he sent a thick edge low to Smith’s right.

But the new Aussie skipper was up to the challenge, timing his dive to perfection and grasping the ball with one hand.

Australia has taken 2/17 this morning to reduce India to 6/328.

The inclusion of MS Dhoni and Ravi Ashwin — who are currently at the crease — has added depth to India’s batting lineup.

But Australia will be hopeful of knocking the visitors over for less than 400 given India lost its last four wickets for 45 runs in the first innings and 16 runs in the second innings in Adelaide.

http://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/external?url=http://content4.video.news.com.au/foxsports/prod/archive/2014/12/18/DVU_181214_CRI_SMITH_SCREAMER_PKG.jpg&width=650&api_key=kq7wnrk4eun47vz9c5xuj3mc

Day two of Steve Smith's captaincy reign is off to a much better start than day one, with the Australian skipper snaring a screamer to remove Indian batsman Rohit Sharma.

11.10am — HAZLEWOOD PICKS UP WHERE HE LEFT OFF

Josh Hazlewood has made the perfect start to day two.

Josh Hazlewood has made the perfect start to day two. Source: Getty Images

JOSH Hazlewood has his third wicket and Brad Haddin his fifth catch after the fall of Ajinkya Rahane this morning for 81.

Hazlewood produced an absolute peach in the third over of today’s opening session, drawing the Indian batsman into a shot and finding the edge.

Haddin has caught all five of the Indian batsmen dismissed so far and is a real chance to challenge the Test record of seven catches in an innings.

The visitors are 5/321. MS Dhoni has joined Rohit Sharma (30 not out) at the crease and wore an early one from Hazlewood on his upper arm.

9.15am — VIJAY RIPS INTO ‘SULKING’ AUSSIE BOWLERS

Mitchell Starc struggles with the heat during day one of the second Test.

Mitchell Starc struggles with the heat during day one of the second Test. Source: News Corp Australia

INDIAN opener Murali Vijay added insult to injury for Australia, chiding the home side’s bowlers for “sulking” during a brutal opening day in the first Test.

Vijay scored a century at the Gabba, powering India to a total of 4-311 by stumps.

It was a tough day in more ways then one for the Australian quicks with Mitch Marsh (hamstring), Mitchell Starc (back and ribs) and debutant Josh Hazlewood (cramps) all leaving the park in pain on a stifling Brisbane summer day.

Marsh won’t bowl on day two, but Hazlewood and Starc might be back.

“Today was really, really hot and was testing us all ... I could see a lot of bowlers sulking out there because it was really hot,” Vijay said.

“Mentally, you’re drained.”

It’s going to be hot again today but there are storms forecast for later this evening.

8.30am —STEVE SMITH’S FIRST CRISIS AS SKIPPER

Cricket Day1

Captain Steve Smith is facing a tremendous battle in his first Test as Australian captain. Source: News Corp Australia

IT is shaping as a case of who will be the last fast man standing after a horror first day for Australia’s bowlers in the second Test.

Allrounder Mitch Marsh will not bowl again in Brisbane, while there is a cloud over Mitchell Starc who left the field on day one after battling back and rib pain and also struggling with scorching 38C temperatures.

Debutant paceman Josh Hazlewood also suffered cramp, leaving Mitchell Johnson as the only bowler to end the first day unscathed — but even he has an ongoing finger problem.

With another hot day expected, and India resuming in the strong position of 4/311, the Australian bowlers could be facing another long day in the field — and young skipper Steve Smith’s options are diminishing by the minute.

It will be a tremendous test for Smith in his first match as captain to rotate the bowlers without overworking them but trying to bowl out the Indians before the game gets away from Australia on a good batting deck.

India has never won a Test at the Gabba in its history.

8am — INDIAN BATSMAN’S STRANGE BATTING TACTIC

Murali Vijay didn’t realise he’d scored a hundred until his teammate told him.

Murali Vijay didn’t realise he’d scored a hundred until his teammate told him. Source: Getty Images

AFTER a gut-wrenching dismissal on 99 last week, Murali Vijay made sure he didn’t make himself too nervous in the nineties at the Gabba.

The India opener looked slightly surprised Wednesday when he reached his fifth Test century, and needed his batting partner Ajinkya Rahane to confirm he’d safely progressed to triple figures.

“I was not aware of how much I was batting on. I was looking at the team score and batting, and Ajinkya was the non-striker, he told me that I got a hundred. So that’s when I realized,” Vijay recounted. “It’s good in a way. I didn’t want to see the score, because I got out for 99 in the last game.”

— with wire agencies

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