The first day of the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Adelaide Oval saw action, drama, and a few surprises. After winning the toss and electing to bat, India struggled against a clinical Australian attack, while the hosts ended the day firmly in control.
India Opts to Bat but Faces Early Setbacks
India’s decision to bat first didn’t go as planned, as Mitchell Starc struck on the very first ball of the match. A trademark inswinging delivery from Starc uprooted Yashasvi Jaiswal’s off-stump, sending him back for a golden duck. It was a dramatic start, setting the tone for the day.
KL Rahul and Shubman Gill began the repair work but found the going tough against the moving pink ball. Rahul survived a first-ball scare when Scott Boland overstepped after trapping him plumb in front. However, the Indian vice-captain couldn’t capitalize on the reprieve, falling for 10 to Starc, who was relentless in exploiting the conditions.
Gill showcased some positive intent, hitting a few delightful boundaries, but his aggressive approach led to his downfall. The opener, looking to dominate, edged one off Boland to the slips after scoring 26.
Starc and Australia Dominate Before Dinner
Virat Kohli walked in to steady the innings but found himself battling against Starc’s masterful bowling. Just before dinner, Starc produced a peach of a delivery to send Kohli back for 11. At the break, India was tottering at 82/4, with all their big names back in the dressing room. The Australians, led by Starc, had completely owned the first session.
Captain Rohit’s Return Fails to Inspire
After dinner, all eyes were on Rohit Sharma, making his return to Test cricket as captain. However, Rohit’s comeback didn’t go as planned. The skipper managed only 3 runs before falling to Scott Boland. His dismissal put India under immense pressure at 87/5.
Rishabh Pant and Nitish Reddy tried to stage a fightback, with Reddy showing glimpses of brilliance. Playing some attacking shots, Reddy scored a quick 28 before being undone by Nathan Lyon. Pant too showed intent but couldn’t convert his start, falling to a sharp bouncer from Pat Cummins for 21. With their dismissals, India’s hopes of reaching a respectable total began to fade.
Starc’s Five-for Wrecks India
Mitchell Starc was the star of the day, claiming a brilliant five-wicket haul. His mix of pace, swing, and precision proved too much for India’s lower order. Harshit Rana and Jasprit Bumrah tried to hang in, but Starc and Lyon wrapped up the innings efficiently. India was bundled out for 180 in 64.3 overs, a total that seemed well below par on a pitch offering assistance to bowlers.
Australia Start Solidly but Lose Khawaja
In reply, Australia began confidently under the lights, despite facing India’s formidable pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. The pink ball zipped around early, but the Australian openers, Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney, looked up to the challenge.
Bumrah, however, provided the breakthrough by dismissing Khawaja for 24. The Indian pacer bowled with venom, beating the bat several times, but McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne held firm. Midway through the Australian innings, the lights at the Adelaide Oval briefly went out, causing a short delay. The incident added an unexpected twist to an already dramatic day but didn’t disrupt the concentration of the Australian batters.
Conclusion
As stumps were called, Australia reached 58/1, trailing India by 94 runs. McSweeney and Labuschagne looked well set, having weathered the early storm. The day belonged to Mitchell Starc and Australia, who outperformed India in all departments.
India faces an uphill task on Day 2. The bowlers will need early breakthroughs to keep the match alive, while Australia will aim to build a commanding lead. With the pink ball still offering assistance, Day 2 promises to be just as exciting.
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