By IANS,
Mohali : India lost the momentum of a good start given by their openers, losing three wickets, in the post-lunch session of the first day of the second cricket Test against Australia at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) stadium here Friday.
India was 174 for three in 51 overs at tea after being 146 for one in the 41st over.
Sachin Tendulkar (13 batting) and Saurav Ganguly (2 batting) were at the crease at tea.
India’s collapse started in the 41st over when Rahul Dravid (39) dragged a Brett Lee delivery onto his stumps.
Two balls later, a confident looking opener Gautam Gambhir (67) sneaked one behind to wicketkeeper Brad Haddin off Mitchell Johnson. Gambhir and Virender Sehwag (35) set the tone of the Indian innings with an aggressive 74 run opening stand.
Gambhir’s knock was studded with nine boundaries.
V.V.S.Laxman too perished cheaply for 12, caught by Haddin off Johnson, who returned as the most successful Australian bowler, getting three wickets from his 15 overs.