Adelaide, Dec 6 (UNI) The opening day of the pink-ball Test between India and Australia at the Adelaide Oval saw the hosts seize control after skittling India for a modest 180.
Australia's disciplined batting response, guided by Marnus Labuschagne (20*) and Nathan McSweeney (38*), helped them close the day at 86/1, trailing by 94 runs.
The day belonged to Mitchell Starc, whose devastating spell of swing bowling under lights produced figures of 6/48, dismantling India's batting lineup and reaffirming his reputation as the king of day-night cricket.
India’s innings got off to the worst possible start when debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal was trapped lbw by Starc on the very first ball of the match. The sharp in-swinger, pitching on middle and leg, left the young opener stunned, setting the tone for Australia’s dominance.
The early breakthroughs continued as KL Rahul (37), who looked solid initially, fell to a hostile short ball from Starc. Rahul, who was dropped twice during his innings, succumbed to a miscued shot that flew to gully.
India's middle order offered little resistance. Skipper Rohit Sharma (3) was trapped plumb in front by Scott Boland, while Virat Kohli (7) edged a full delivery to second slip off Starc, leaving India reeling at 37/4.
The only bright spot for India came from Nitish Reddy, who launched a fearless counterattack with 42 off 54 balls. Reddy displayed audacious shot-making, including a reverse scoop and a towering six over deep extra cover. However, his resilience ended when Starc struck with a sharp bouncer that was top-edged to mid-off.
Rishabh Pant (21) provided brief entertainment, including a pull shot off Mitchell Marsh that sent the ball soaring into the stands, but he fell to a rising delivery from Pat Cummins. The lower order offered little resistance, and India folded in just 44.1 overs.
Starc’s unplayable in-swinging yorker to dismiss Harshit Rana epitomised his lethal spell, capping off a day where his pace and movement proved too tough for India to handle.
In response, Australia began steadily despite some probing bowling from India’s pacers. Usman Khawaja (13) was the only casualty, falling to Jasprit Bumrah’s late movement. A thick edge off a backfoot defensive stroke flew to Rohit Sharma at first slip, giving India their solitary breakthrough.
Labuschagne and McSweeney then consolidated Australia’s innings with a steady partnership. McSweeney, making the most of his opportunities after surviving a dropped catch and a close lbw review, played with remarkable composure. He unfurled crisp drives and authoritative pulls, finding the boundary consistently to ease the pressure.
Labuschagne, though less fluent, provided stability, frustrating the Indian bowlers with his disciplined shot selection. The pair’s partnership ensured Australia ended the day without further setbacks, well-positioned to build a significant lead.
Adding to India’s woes, Ravichandran Ashwin, who took a blow to the foot while batting, was unable to take the field. The team management confirmed he would be monitored overnight, with his participation on Day 2 uncertain. Ashwin’s absence would be a major blow to India’s bowling arsenal on a surface offering variable bounce.
Australia will aim to capitalise on their strong start by building a commanding first-innings lead. For India, the key will be an aggressive bowling approach on Day 2, utilising the pink ball’s tendency to swing under lights.
With pressure mounting and Ashwin’s fitness in question, the visitors face a daunting task to claw their way back into the contest.
The stage is set for another gripping day of Test cricket, with Australia in the driver’s seat and India looking for inspiration from their pace attack to stay alive in the match. UNI BDN SSP