The much-anticipated second Test between India and Australia kicked off under the pink-ball lights at the Adelaide Oval, delivering a day of intense cricket. India, coming off a win in the first Test, aimed to solidify their dominance, but the first day brought mixed fortunes. Let’s dive into the highlights and key moments.
A Fiery Start: Starc Strikes Early
Australia began on a high, with Mitchell Starc dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal for a golden duck on the very first ball of the match. The young Indian opener, who had cheekily commented in the first Test that Starc was “too slow,” was undone by a perfectly angled delivery. Swinging from the leg-stump line and pitching full, the ball trapped Jaiswal plumb in front. After consulting KL Rahul, Jaiswal decided against a review, and Starc’s fiery celebration set the tone for the rest of the day.
Gill and Rahul: A Steady Partnership
After the early blow, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul took charge. Gill, returning after missing the first Test, showcased solid technique against Australia’s pace attack. Rahul, meanwhile, demonstrated compactness and a good understanding of his off-stump. Together, the duo forged a 50-plus run partnership, offering some respite after Jaiswal’s departure.
The pair capitalized on loose deliveries, with Rahul elegantly driving Scott Boland through the covers for a boundary that drew praise from commentators. On the other hand, Gill’s authoritative extra-cover drive off Starc was a masterclass in timing and balance.
Drama Unfolds: Dropped Chances and No-Balls
The partnership wasn’t without drama. Australia’s fielders faltered, dropping crucial catches that allowed Rahul to extend his innings. Usman Khawaja, diving low to his right at slip, missed a sharp chance, marking his third dropped catch in two matches.
Adding to Australia’s woes, Boland overstepped on a delivery that would have otherwise sent Rahul back early. The right-hander edged a rising ball to the wicketkeeper, only for the umpire to call a no-ball, granting Rahul a crucial lifeline.
Starc Strikes Again: Rahul Falls for 37
After toiling hard and surviving multiple scares, KL Rahul finally fell to Starc for 37. A short-of-length delivery outside off tempted Rahul into a loose poke. Unable to control the extra bounce, he edged it to Nathan McSweeney at gully, who dived forward to complete a brilliant catch. This marked the third time in the series that Starc had dismissed Rahul, underlining the pacer’s dominance over the Indian opener.
Spin Takes Over
Following 17 overs of relentless pace from the Australian trio, Nathan Lyon was introduced into the attack. The pink-ball specialist brought an added dimension to the bowling, exploiting the extra bounce on the Adelaide surface. Lyon’s entry also marked a strategic move by skipper Pat Cummins to rotate his pacers and keep them fresh for later spells.
Kohli Falls, India in Trouble
India’s hopes rested on Virat Kohli, but the talismanic batter couldn’t make a significant impact. Facing Starc, Kohli hesitated between leaving and playing at a length ball outside off. The extra bounce and movement in the “uncertainty corridor” resulted in a faint edge to Steve Smith at slip. Kohli’s departure for just 7 runs left the Indian fans at Adelaide Oval stunned.
With Kohli’s wicket, Starc completed a remarkable spell, bagging his third scalp and giving Australia a major boost ahead of the dinner break.
Shubman Gill Departs
Shubman Gill, who had looked solid for his 31, was the next to fall. Lyon’s relentless pressure paid off as Gill, attempting a drive, edged the ball to slip. The dismissal further tilted the momentum in Australia’s favor as India found themselves struggling at 77/4.
Rishabh Pant Under Pressure
Rishabh Pant walked in at No. 5, tasked with stabilizing India’s innings. With just 10 minutes left for the dinner break, the young wicketkeeper-batter faced immense pressure to avoid further damage. The responsibility now lay on Pant and the lower order to rebuild after the top-order collapse.
Adelaide Pitch: Batters’ Test
The Adelaide pitch, historically good for batting, offered little lateral movement early on. However, the pink ball’s extra bounce and swing tested the Indian batters’ technique. While the surface seemed conducive to stroke play, applying oneself was the key to survival.
Key Stats and Insights of INDIA vs AUSTRALIA Match
- Mitchell Starc’s First-Ball Heroics: Starc became the joint record-holder for most wickets off the first ball of a Test (three times), a feat he shares with Pedro Collins.
- Australia’s Missed Opportunities: In the first 10 overs, only 4.8% of Australia’s deliveries were hitting the stumps—one of the lowest percentages for the team in pink-ball Tests.
- Nathan Lyon’s Impact: Lyon, with his pink-ball expertise, looked set to play a crucial role as the day progressed.
Looking Ahead
At the dinner break, India’s score stood at 77/4 in 20.1 overs. With the top order back in the pavilion, the onus is now on Rishabh Pant and the middle order to steady the ship. For Australia, Starc’s brilliance and Lyon’s consistency have set the stage for a commanding performance.
As the day progresses, the twilight period—a tricky phase in pink-ball cricket—could bring further challenges for the Indian batters. The visitors must dig deep to post a competitive total on a surface that’s likely to quicken up as the match unfolds.
Stay tuned for more updates as the action continues!