Second Test India tour AustraliaThe Day-Night game at the Adelaide Oval began with intense competition under pink ball conditions. India opted to bat first, but Mitchell Starc’s six-wicket masterclass undid their batting order, restricting them to a modest total of 180. KL Rahul and Shubman Gill As the form showed, the rest of the batting order collapsed against Australia’s fiery pace attack. In response, Australia reached 86/1 at stumps94 runs behind. Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne created a lasting partnership for the second wicket.
India’s batting collapsed under the brilliance of Mitchell Starc
India’s innings started on a nightmarish note Yashasvi Jaiswal fell to a golden duck off Mitchell Starc.first ball. KL Rahul and Shubman Gill they showed composure by adding 69 runs for the second wicket, but their dismissal led to the collapse. Starc ran through the middle and lower order to finish with an exceptional 6/48, swinging the pink ball wonderfully. Pat Cummins and Scott Boland each provided vital support by collecting two wickets. Nitish Kumar Reddy fought bravely with an aggressive 42 and Ravichandran Ashwin Chipped for 22, but India folded for a sub-par score of 180 in just 44.1 overs.
Australia’s sustained response under test conditions
Australia’s response began cautiously under the floodlights Osman Khawaja falls jasprit bumrah for 13 after a cautious start. However, McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne combined guts and skill to steady the innings. The duo added a 62-run unbeaten partnership that denied India’s pace trio and punished loose deliveries. McSweeney looked confident not out on 38, while Labuschagne provided solid support with 20. The Indian bowlers, led by Bumrah, kept things tight but a lack of breakthroughs left Australia leading at 86/1 at stumps.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Fans flood social media with memes after Rohit Sharma’s disappointing return on Day 1 of Adelaide Test.
Starc’s advantage with the pink ball
Starc was the star performer on Day 1, using the swing of the pink ball and the movement of his seams to devastating effect. He batted first and with his lethal combination of pace and accuracy, he constantly troubled the Indians. Starc’s six-wicket haul includes key dismissals like Rahul’s. Virat Kohli and Ashwin broke the backbone of India’s innings. His ability to move under lights and sustain relentless pressure highlighted why he is regarded as one of the best pink-ball bowlers in the world. Starc’s heroics set the tone for Australia to take control of the Test match.
Trailing by 106 runs, Australia will look to build a crucial first innings lead on Day 2. The partnership of McSweeney and Labuschagne will be instrumental in creating a strong platform for the middle order featuring Smith and Head. For India, early wickets will be the key to get back into the game with Bumrah and Muhammad Siraj must be delivered accurately.
Here’s Twitter’s reaction
Under the lights, this Bumrah vs Marnus is amazing theatre. I think you show it to any sports fan and they engage and enjoy it.
— Jomboy (@Jomboy_) December 6, 2024
Pink ball Tests belongs to Mitchell Starc. What a record and what a performance today.
#AUSWIN | #BorderGavaskarTrophy
— CricBlog
(@cric_blog) December 6, 2024
An important reason why Virat’s average has now fallen to 48 is the unfortunate weakness in the offside. But what is more important is the determination not to try any other way to solve it.
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) December 6, 2024
71 wickets (and counting) in 24 overs @ 17.94/34.9 with 4 five-fers and 6 four-fers. Pink ball Mitchell Starc is a threat. pic.twitter.com/KYeO6HaA05
— Mayank (@ImMayankB) December 6, 2024
Rohit is likely to play his last Test series. Not sure where the runs will come from for him against this offense.
— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) December 6, 2024
Star Five!
Starc goes really well with the Pink Ball for his caliber and ability.
He has five goalkeepers. Well bowled!
— Nikhil
(@CricCrazyNIKS) December 6, 2024
This is the 2015 World Cup Starc. Absolutely sensational. Instant effect on fresh magic #AUSWIN
— Soorya Sesha (@sooryasesha7) December 6, 2024
Four, wild four, DQR four
#AUSWINpic.twitter.com/5jwt906JSf
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) December 6, 2024
All were Mitchell Starc early, while Nathan McSweeney found his feet on day one. #AUSWIN pic.twitter.com/VIHuziDrh3
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 6, 2024
Best figures for Mitchell Starc in Tests
6/48* vs India at Adelaide, 2024
6/50 vs Sri Lanka Galle, 2016#cricket #AUSWIN #MitchellStarc pic.twitter.com/AKi0gP3NUN— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 6, 2024
