Australian batsmen fall short against blistering Indian attack on day two at Adelaide Oval

Day two of the Adelaide Test had the effect of making you appreciate the quality of top-order batting on display in this match.

The problem for Australia was that the batting in question was what Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane and Che Pujara produced on day one.

It could have been drearier still for the home team.

The only thing worse than their batting was India’s fielding, including six dropped catches of escalating comedic properties.

There was also India’s dismal tail-end efforts in the first session of the day, when the tourists lost 4-11 from 25 deliveries to finish on 244.

By the evening session that total looked imposing. Australia collapsed to 191.

Only captain Tim Paine — throwing caution to the wind for an undefeated 73 when the…