India vs Australia 2nd Test: A Challenging Start for India

India vs Australia 2nd Test: A Challenging Start for India Under the Pink Ball

India Opts to Bat, but Early Wickets Rattle the Start: The much-anticipated India vs Australia second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has commenced under the pink ball in Adelaide. India, led by skipper Rohit Sharma, won the toss and opted to bat. However, the decision quickly came under scrutiny as Australia’s pace attack dismantled the Indian top order in the first session.

That’s the end of the first session on Day 1 of the 2nd Test.#TeamIndia 82/4

Scorecard – https://t.co/upjirQCmiV… #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/5iFuEFHpAJ

— BCCI (@BCCI) December 6, 2024

Opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal fell on the very first ball of the match, trapped LBW by Mitchell Starc, leaving India at 0/1. Despite Shubman Gill and KL Rahul stabilizing the innings briefly, Australian bowlers, particularly Starc and Scott Boland, maintained relentless pressure.

Australia’s Bowlers Shine in the First Session

Mitchell Starc, leading the Australian attack, claimed three wickets in a fiery spell, including those of KL Rahul and Virat Kohli. Rahul, who looked set after a promising 37 runs, fell victim to a sharp delivery, with Nathan McSweeney taking a stunning catch at gully. Kohli, on the other hand, was caught at slip by Steve Smith off Starc just before the tea break, adding to India’s woes.

Scott Boland also joined the party, dismissing Shubman Gill for 31 with a precise LBW decision. India was left reeling at 82/4 at tea, with Rishabh Pant (4*) and Rohit Sharma (1*) trying to rebuild the innings.

India’s New-Look Playing XI

The Indian team introduced three changes from their winning lineup in the first Test. Rohit Sharma returned to captain the side, alongside Shubman Gill and Ravichandran Ashwin, replacing Dhruv Jurel, Devdutt Padikkal, and Washington Sundar. Meanwhile, Australia made a single change, bringing in Scott Boland to replace the injured Josh Hazlewood.

Key Moments of the Session

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Early Dismissal: Mitchell Starc’s pinpoint delivery on the opening ball of the match set the tone for the Australian attack.
KL Rahul’s Resilience Ends: After surviving a dropped catch and a no-ball, Rahul’s luck ran out, and he fell for 37 after a promising partnership with Gill.
Kohli’s Rare Mistake: A late reaction to a short delivery by Starc led to Kohli’s dismissal, piling pressure on the Indian middle order.

Australia’s Tactical Brilliance

Australia’s disciplined bowling attack exploited the conditions perfectly. Starc, in particular, swung the pink ball both ways, while Boland’s precision added to India’s troubles. The Australian fielders, led by captain Pat Cummins, ensured sharp catching and ground fielding, denying India any room for recovery.

What Lies Ahead?

India’s hopes now rest on Rishabh Pant and Rohit Sharma to anchor the innings and guide the team to a respectable total. The duo must navigate Australia’s relentless bowling attack under challenging conditions. With Nathan Lyon waiting in the wings, the task will only get tougher as the match progresses.

Australia, on the other hand, will look to capitalize on their strong start and restrict India to a sub-par total. The hosts’ decision to wear black armbands in memory of the late Phillip Hughes added an emotional edge to their performance.

Summary of Key Stats

India’s Score at Tea: 82/4 in 23 overs.
Top Performers: Mitchell Starc (3/31), Scott Boland (1/24).
Top Scorer for India: KL Rahul (37).

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India vs Australia 2nd Test: A Challenging Start for India

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