Australia go gently into the darkness of defeat (and probable series loss): T2D4

India 503 def Australia 9/237d & 131    (67 ov, Ashwin 5/63, Jadeja 3/33) by an innings & 131 runs: T2/4 D4/5 at Hyderabad. India lead series  2-0.

Yes, it was a fourth day Hyderabad wicket prepared to India's orders and their bowlers were able to take advantage of the assistance it offered, but it was a feeble effort with the bat by Australia, almost an unconditional surrender when a stouter resistance might have secured better terms, if not for this match then for the series, a series which Australia now cannot win and cannot, on any rational assessment of its form so far, expect even to draw.

Disappointing but not really unexpected. Ravichandran Ashwin who, just over a year ago in Australia, looked an ordinary trundler has bounced back to put the wood on the Australian batters, many of whom lack the rudimentary skills and mental strength- bat patiently for at least a session - to counter the home team's advantages. Not that the bowlers have much to crow about, too.

Congratulations, India. I hope you meet stronger opposition in the next two Tests.