The most awaited India v Australia first Test started of with Australian captain Steven Smith winning a crucial toss and opting to bat first. Australia start cautiously during the first hour. Virat Kohli introduced Ashwin in the second over itself, letting us know how the pitch will behave. But it was only when the ball became a little old that Umesh Yadav was brought into the attack and he drew first blood. Getting rid of David Warner and soon Matthew Renshaw developed stomach ache and left the field. So there were two new batsmen who walked in and the pitch suddenly started playing tricks after lunch.
Soon, Jadeja got into the act dismissing Shaun Marsh and soon the wickets started falling in a heap. They lost Steven Smith, Handscomb in quick succession. Australians were reeling but a valiant display of resilience saw Australia go to lunch with five wickets down, they were in a deep hole already.
After tea, Umesh Yadav was brought back and he started getting the wickets. Australia were soon looking at an allout when Mitchell Starc showed some spine and carried Australia to a position of respectability. Starc scored a blistering half century. Josh Hazlewood gave him good support at the other end blocking the balls and not giving Indians a chance. Considering this is a crumbling pitch which is already turning, one feels India will have to bat out of their skin to come back and challenge the Aussies. Remember, Australia have two spinners in Lyon and Keefe and India have to be wary about it.
Brief scores: Starc: 55 , Renshaw: 68, Umesh: 4/ 32 Australia: 256/9
Copyright © 2024 IE Online Media Services Private Ltd. All Rights Reserved.