Adding problem to the wooing Indian side, the Oz top order slammed a double ton to declare at 604 runs on board.

The double ton of the veteran batsmen Michel Clarke and Ricky Ponting marked the day on the second day at Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, Australia. The Australians in a very comfortable situation had declared at 604 runs after losing 7 wickets. The highlights of the match of course were the two seniors, in between them made 400 odd runs to, keep the home team above competition. The Oz captain made 201 runs (26x4, 1x6), while his former captain Ricky Ponting made 221 runs (21x4). Ponting who was considered as a liability to the team turned out to be a great asset to the home team, against the Indians.

Australians made a good effort in marking a massive first innings score, exposing the Indians, weak bowling skills. Only Ashwin could grab three wickets along with the senior pacer Zaheer Khan, who bagged two. The rest were worst hit and Umesh was the one who suffered most. Indians who came into bat did nothing great for the day. The Indian captain, Virender Sehwag, in place of displaced Dhoni, surrendered meekly for just 18 runs.  The visitors are right now trailing behind the hosts by 543 runs at the draw of stumps on the second day.

Indians scored 61 for two wickets, with Sachin Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir at the crease. The early wickets that fell were of Sehwag and Rahul Dravid. Siddle and Hifenhaus claimed the wickets. If the visitors have to get back into the reckoning, this pair must pitch in, like their Australian counterparts with a double ton. Much is to be expected, on the third day, tomorrow. Keep watching for more live updates.   (AarKay)