Bowlers dominated on Thursday as 18 wickets tumbled on the second day of cricket’s fourth and final test between India and Australia. On a bowler-friendly Mumbai pitch that offered tremendous turn and bounce, 18 wickets fell for just 290 runs in less than a hundred overs.

Kumble keeps India in touch with Australia

Fourth Test, day two (stumps)India 104 & 5-0 v Australia 203

Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai (Bombay), Nov. 4 – Bowlers dominated on Thursday as 18 wickets tumbled on the second day of cricket’s fourth and final test between India and Australia. On a bowler-friendly Mumbai pitch that offered tremendous turn and bounce, 18 wickets fell for just 290 runs in less than a hundred overs.But while the Indians succumbed to pace, the Aussies were baffled by spin, in the first innings.

Jason Gillespie, an Australian fast bowler, produced a superb spell of pace bowling, taking four wickets for 29 runs in 12 overs as India were all out for 104 – their lowest ever total against Australia. Australian debutant spinner Nathan Hauritz, replacing injured Shane Warne, recorded 3-16.

Anil Kumble, the prolific Indian spin bowler, then took five wickets – his 27th five-wicket haul – to lead the comeback as India dismissed Australia for 203, a low score but enough the give Australia a 99-run first innings lead.

The Australian, Damien Martyn was the only man to pass 50, making a determined 55.

India deserved credit for forcing their way back into the game after such a torrid time with the bat as they aimed for a consolation win in the series.

India are trying to prevent a 3-0 series thrashing by Australia.