The first day of the second Test between India and Australia at the Adelaide Oval was a gripping contest, filled with sharp bowling performances, resilient partnerships, and key turning points. Here’s how the action unfolded:
India’s Collapse with the Bat
The day began with a dramatic start. Mitchell Starc, Australia’s spearhead with the pink ball, struck on the very first delivery of the Test. While India showed signs of stability with a fifty-run partnership between KL Rahul and Shubman Gill, Starc’s relentless accuracy dismantled India’s batting lineup:
- Rahul was dismissed for a well-compiled 37, caught by McSweeney.
- Kohli followed soon after, falling for just 7, nicking to Smith.
- Gill, who looked solid with a patient 31, was trapped LBW by Scott Boland.
India’s woes compounded as Rohit Sharma and other lower-order batters fell cheaply. Starc’s ability to swing the pink ball, extract bounce, and deliver pinpoint yorkers was instrumental in skittling India out for a paltry 180.
Starc’s Career-Best Performance:
Mitchell Starc finished with figures of 6/48, showcasing why he is considered one of the best pink-ball bowlers in modern cricket.
Australia in Command Under Lights
Despite the challenge of batting under lights, Australia’s openers looked relatively untroubled. The lone wicket of the session came when Bumrah dismissed Khawaja, but Labuschagne and McSweeney’s patient approach nullified India’s early swing and seam movement.
The day ended with Australia well on top, trailing by less than 100 runs with nine wickets in hand. The surface at the Adelaide Oval typically becomes better for batting on Day 2, giving the hosts an excellent opportunity to build a substantial lead.
India’s Bowling Struggles
India’s bowling strategy on the first day of the Adelaide Test was markedly different from their impressive display at Perth. In Perth, India’s seamers bowled 47.5% of their deliveries in the channel outside off-stump, and the figures for today were only slightly lower at 45.3%. However, the critical difference lay in their targeting of the stumps:
- At Perth, 31% of deliveries were aimed at the stumps, compared to just 20.3% today.
- The number of wide deliveries outside off-stump increased from 10.9% in Perth to 21.3% today.
The disciplined yet defensive line meant the Australian batters were rarely forced to play at deliveries outside off-stump. Though Indian bowlers generated more seam and swing movement in the first 10 overs compared to their Australian counterparts, the lack of stump-line attacks reduced wicket-taking opportunities.
Key Moments:
- McSweeney, batting on just 1, got a crucial reprieve early on.
- Jasprit Bumrah broke through by dismissing Usman Khawaja, caught at first slip, which turned out to be the only wicket of the session.
With Labuschagne and McSweeney biding their time, Australia ended the session in a comfortable position, keeping India on the back foot.
Also Read: IND vs AUS: KL Rahul’s Witty Response on Batting Order – ‘I’ve Been Told Not to Reveal It’
Looking Ahead
The equation for Day 2 is simple:
- For Australia: The focus will be on capitalizing on the favorable conditions and building a match-defining lead.
- For India: The bowlers must tighten their lines and attack the stumps to create opportunities.
With Australia holding the upper hand, Day 2 promises to be another thrilling chapter in this fiercely contested Test series. Can India mount a comeback, or will Australia extend their dominance? Stay tuned!
Key Stats of the Day
- India’s Bowling Stats Comparison:
- Perth: 31% at stumps, 7/65.
- Adelaide: 20.3% at stumps, 1/71.
- Starc’s Match Impact: 6/48 – his best figures in Test cricket.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the match proceedings as of Day 1 and is subject to further developments.
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