INDIA v AUSTRALIA 1979-80

This Test, like the first, was drastically affected by rain, making a draw unavoidable. What play was possible, however, emphasised that the home side held the edge over the touring side.

Australia, with one change in their side, elected to bat first again on a slow pitch. Although there were useful contributions from Hilditch and all-rounder Yardley they once more relied heavily on Border and Hughes for their total.

The home team started indifferently when they replied after tea on the second day, but they were steadied by a record fourth-wicket partnership against Australia of 159 between Vengsarkar and Viswanath, both of whom scored centuries. With Vengsarkar circumspect and Viswanath below his best, runs came ponderously even though the Australian bowling was by no means testing. With rain lopping off much of the third day's play, it was not until halfway through the last morning that Gavaskar was able to declare 124 ahead.

On the slow pitch the main Australian bowling weapon was the off-spin of Yardley, who took four wickets for 107. The pace bowlers were quite innocuous. Hogg could not work up speed, and at the start of the Indian innings again had trouble landing his front foot in the right place. After being no balled seven times in five overs delivered from different ends, Hogg lost his temper on the second evening and kicked down the stumps. The incident would have fouled the atmosphere had Hughes not taken prompt action, tendering an immediate apology to the umpire and persuading Hogg to express his regret at the end of the day's play.

Australia, batting again with four and a half hours left, were in desperate trouble at 77 for three when rain interfered decisively. All the wickets fell to off-spinner Yadav, who returned match figures of seven for 81 in his first Test.