IND vs AUS 2nd Test: Starc’s Fiery Spell Puts India on the Back Foot
IND vs AUS 2nd Test: Starc’s Fiery Start Puts India on the Back Foot
The second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, between India and Australia at the iconic Adelaide Oval, started on a very explosive note as it immediately saw Australia gain momentum. Mitchell Starc, known for his skills with the new ball, managed to strike gold on the very first delivery of the game. The early fall of Yashasvi Jaiswal set India’s tone for a tough day
ahead.
Starc’s Record-Breaking Feat
The wicket marked the third time Mitchell Starc has struck on the opening ball of a Test match, drawing level with the rare record held by West Indies bowler Pedro Collins. Jaiswal, who came into the game on the back of his game-changing century in Perth, was sent back to the pavilion for a duck. This was not the first time the young opener fell cheaply in this series, having been dismissed for zero in the first innings of the previous Test before his heroics in the second innings.
This early breakthrough buoyed Australia into immediately taking control and putting pressure on India’s batting lineup. The shocking start now left the Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, to regroup and reassess its strategy.
India’s Opening Woes Continue
It was a decision that, after the early setback, raised question marks over India’s persistence with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul as the opening pair. As much as the game of cricket is unpredictable, with the fall of Jaiswal, KL Rahul’s role to anchor the innings increased manifold. Within seconds, the hopes of repeating those good opening partnerships of Perth were dispelled, and it was on the middle order to resurrect the innings.
At three, the returning Shubman Gill was supposed to give some stability, but the pressure on India’s top order increased significantly after Starc’s magical first delivery.
India’s XI: Adjustments and Challenges
India’s playing XI for the game included a mix of young and experienced players. With Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul opening the innings, Shubman Gill came back to his preferred number three position. Skipper Rohit Sharma and wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant formed the backbone of the middle order, while Ravichandran Ashwin and Nitish Reddy were key to providing depth with both bat and ball.
This is the bowling attack that will face off against Australia’s strong batting lineup, comprising Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Harshit Rana. But with the early blow from Starc, the Indian bowlers’ contributions would come into play only once the team’s batters set a defendable total.
A Test of Resilience
The Adelaide Test has thrown plenty of challenges at the visiting side, India, already. As Australia took an initial advantage, the Indian camp had to bank on its seasoned batters to steer the innings to avoid further mishaps. Far from over, it’s now a test of staying power for Rohit Sharma’s men.
For cricket enthusiasts who want to keep up with the action, sites such as Winexch will offer live cricket for free. In this way, every fan can stay connected to every twist and turn in this thrilling series.
Conclusion
The unpredictability of cricket, and moments like Starc’s opening-ball dismissal, underlines why he is regarded as a modern-day great, the godfather of cricket for his match-winning prowess. With the series hanging in the balance, the Pink-Ball Test has a promise of more drama with both sides jostling for supremacy.
FAQ
- What was the key moment in the early exchanges of this second Test?
Mitchell Starc removed Yashasvi Jaiswal with the first ball of the match to give Australia an important early strike.
- What record has Mitchell Starc equalled with this match?
Starc has joined Pedro Collins in striking on the first ball of a Test match three times.
- Who is in India’s XI for this Test?
India’s lineup is Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
- What is Australia’s record in Pink-Ball Tests at Adelaide Oval?
Australia has an imperious record in Pink-Ball Tests at the Adelaide Oval and has never lost at this venue in this format.
- Where can the fans follow the Test series?
Live cricket can be watched free on websites like Winexch so that fans can catch all the action.
