Starc Shines as Rohit’s India Crumbles in Adelaide Test
Australia Dominates India in the Adelaide Pink-Ball Test: Starc Leads the Way with Six Wickets
In an intense morning session of the Day-Night Test in Adelaide, Australia sent India packing for a mere 180 runs, with Mitchell Starc leading the charge with a sensational 6-wicket haul. Rohit Sharma, the captain of India, won the toss and decided to set a target by batting first. Still, the Indian side found themselves on the back foot as they faced a disciplined Australian bowling attack under overcast skies.
Starc Shines with a Stunning Spell
Mitchell Starc was the day’s standout performer, showcasing his class and precision with the pink ball. The Australian pacer ripped through India’s batting lineup, finishing with impressive figures of 6 wickets for just 48 runs. His performance was key to Australia’s dominance on Day 1 of the Test.
In addition to Starc, Scott Boland and Pat Cummins contributed with two wickets each, ensuring India had no chance of mounting a significant total. Boland and Cummins’ consistent efforts complemented Starc’s brilliance and helped Australia finish the morning session on top.
A Disastrous Start for India
India’s innings got off to a horrific start when Starc struck early in the game. On his first delivery, he dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal, clearly conveying that the Australian bowlers were in complete control. The Indian top order faced difficulties, as crucial wickets fell at consistent intervals throughout the innings.
India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, was dismissed cheaply for just three runs, while the hard-hitting Rishabh Pant, one of India’s most reliable batters in recent years, was dismissed for 21. The pressure continued to mount on India as they struggled to build partnerships.
Kohli and Gill Fail to Make an Impact
As India’s innings collapsed, their experienced players couldn’t provide the stability the team desperately needed. Virat Kohli, one of India’s greatest batsmen, was dismissed for seven runs. Steven Smith caught him off Starc’s bowling, adding to the mounting pressure on the visitors. With India struggling at 77/3, the Aussies looked set to wrap up the Indian innings sooner rather than later.
Shubman Gill, another promising talent, was dismissed for 31 runs after facing 51 balls. Although he struck five boundaries during his brief stay at the crease, Gill couldn’t push on for a more significant score, and India’s hopes of reaching a competitive total faded with his departure.
Pant and the Lower Order’s Short-Lived Resistance
Rishabh Pant’s dismissal came shortly after, as he was trapped lbw by Nathan McSweeney for just five runs. Pant’s brief knock failed to impact the scoreboard despite his reputation as a game-changer. Pat Cummins soon got in on the act, sending the ball soaring to Marnus Labuschagne’s safe hands after a brilliant delivery that caught India’s lower order off guard.
As the wickets tumbled, Starc returned to the attack and removed Ravichandran Ashwin for 22, followed by Harshit Rana for a duck. In quick succession, India’s resistance crumbled, and they were bowled out for just 180 runs before the tea break.
Australia’s Stranglehold on the Game
By the time the Indian innings ended, Australia had wholly controlled the match. With a lead of 180 runs, Australia will be confident of building a substantial total when they begin their innings. The Australian bowlers, led by the lethal Starc, have set the stage for a dominant performance, with the rest of the series hanging in the balance.
Australia can take pride in their collective efforts as India returns to the dressing room to regroup. The match is far from over, but with Starc leading the charge, the hosts are well-positioned to dictate the flow of this pink-ball Test.
Source: The Tribune
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