Youth Test: Australia's Indian origin Vishwa Ramkumar troubles India U-19

Australia's Indian-origin spinner Vishwa Ramkumar stole the spotlight with a four-wicket haul, turning the tide in favor of the visitors. With both teams battling for supremacy, the Youth Test is set for an exciting finish in Chennai.

In Short

• Australia’s Indian-origin spinner picked up 4 wickets to dismantle India U-19's middle order
• Indian opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s scored a fiery 104 off 62 balls
• With Australia leading by 107 runs and 6 wickets in hand, the game is poised

Australia's Indian-origin spinner Vishwa Ramkumar left a mark in the ongoing Youth Test against India U-19, playing a pivotal role in putting his side in control. Ramkumar, whose parents are originally from Chennai, spun his way to an impressive four-wicket haul on Day 2 at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, reminding every one of his roots. His performance, along with Thomas Brown's three wickets, helped Australia bowl out India U-19 for 296 in their first innings, taking a slender lead of three runs.

The Indian batters failed to capitalise on the solid foundation laid by opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who scored a blistering 104 from 62 deliveries. He, along with fellow opener Vihaan Malhotra, added 133 runs for the first wicket. Suryavanshi's knock, which included 14 boundaries and four sixes, gave India a strong start, but his dismissal due to a direct hit by Christian Howe triggered a collapse. From 133 for no loss, India were reduced to 296 all out, as the middle and lower order failed to stand up against the Australian spinners.

Youth Test Day 2: As it happened

Ramkumar, in particular, was the standout performer for the visitors. The leg-spinner bowled with accuracy and variation, picking up crucial wickets, including that of Abhigyan Kundu and Samarth N. His 18-over spell yielded figures of 4 for 79, as he consistently troubled the Indian batters. Thomas Brown, who had dropped Suryavanshi early on, made amends by taking three wickets in quick succession to further dent India's progress.

Australia's second innings got off to a shaky start, with Mohammed Enaan dismissing opener Steve Hogan for a duck. However, Riley Kingsell (48) and Oliver Peake (32) steadied the ship, adding 72 runs for the second wicket. Indian spinners kept the pressure on, with Aditya Singh and skipper Soham Patwardhan chipping in with wickets to peg back the visitors. By the end of Day 2, Australia were 110 for 4, leading by 107 runs, with a gripping finish on the cards.

With two days remaining, the match hangs in the balance, and both teams have a fair chance of claiming victory. For India, early wickets on Day 3 would be crucial, while Australia will look to extend their lead and set a challenging target for the hosts.