01:51

India’s dominance over Australia was reinforced handsomely on day two in Sydney. Over after relentless run-scoring over went by before Virat Kohli finally put his hosts out of their misery with the tourists on a whopping 622-7.

By that point Che Pujara had fallen narrowly short of a double-century, Rishabh Pant had galloped gleefully beyond 150, and Ravi Jadeja had bat-twirled his way to an entertaining 81. Records were obliterated. Australia were ground into the dust.

India’s show of strength has assured them of a series victory. All that remains is whether it is achieved by a margin of 2-1 or 3-1. This is a pitch with many more runs in it so taking 20 wickets over the next three days will not be easy.

For the sake of morale Australia’s batters need to make a fist of the task in hand. On the flipside there is the very real risk of the kind of crushing defeat that can send shockwaves through an administration.

Geoff, Adam, and I will be back here tomorrow to see if India can continue their cakewalk. Your company is encouraged.