AUS vs IND: 2nd Test – Spirited Indian bowlers dominate first day
The Boxing Day Test between Australia and India commenced on Saturday with the hosts winning the toss and opting to bat first. The average score in the first innings at the venue in the last five matches was more than 400. But Australia were bundled out for just 195 thanks to some impeccable performances from the Indian bowlers.
Jasprit Bumrah led the pack with four wickets while Ravi Ashwin also bowled well picking up three scalps. Mohammed, Siraj, on debut, breathed fire with his pace and accuracy scalping two crucial wickets. In response, India lost Mayank Agarwal for a duck bu another debutant Shubman Gill showed courage playing some glorious shots. He ended the day unbeaten on 28 alongside Cheteshwar Pujara.
At stumps on Day 1, India are 36/1 trailing by 159 runs in the first innings. Here are the talking points of the day:
1. Ashwin gets Smith again
Ravi Ashwin got the better of Steve Smith in Adelaide but few would’ve thought that the off-spinner would get his number again. Smith arrived at the crease after Matthew Wade got out and was trapped at leg-slip for an 8-ball duck. Ashwin bowled superbly as the ball pitched at middle and leg-stump and it turned a bit only for Smith to guide the ball in the leg-slip fielder’s hands.
2. Siraj shines on debut
Mohammed Siraj was in the middle of a brilliant spell after disappointing earlier. He corrected his lines and reaped in almost immediate rewards. A clever trap was set for Marnus Labuschagne wherein the pacer angled a delivery into his pads. Batting on 48, Labuschagne flicked the delivery and didn’t care to keep it down. But little did he know that a close-in fielder at backward square leg would get hold of the ball. Shubman Gill dived superbly to his right to complete the catch and Siraj had his maiden wicket.
3. Tim Paine’s run-out controversy
Cameron Green and Tim Paine were batting patiently when India were on top of their game. But the duo tried a quick single and the latter hesitated while running eventually giving the opposition a chance. It all went well for India as the run-out appeal was sent upstairs. It was extremely close as one angle showed Paine’s bat was on the line but the other angle created doubts in the umpire’s mind.
In the end, the third umpire decided to give it not-out, a decision that didn’t go down well with many. Few reckoned it was the shadow of Paine’s bat that was over the line from the other angle. It didn’t cost much for India as Paine was dismissed soon after.
4. Shubman Gill gets off the mark in Tests
After Siraj impressed with his bowling on debut, it was time for Shubman Gill to make his mark. Luck favoured him a bit as well in the last hour of the day. India lost Mayank Agarwal early but Gill didn’t deter and after a few plays and misses, played a glorious straight drive to get off the mark. A pull shot and back-foot punch also followed later as he ended the day unbeaten on 28. Many are already impressed with Gill and he will be hoping to carry in the same way on the second day.
