Mitchell Starc’s fiery spell stole the spotlight on the opening day of the second Test in Adelaide, leaving India reeling at 180. Australia’s response, led by Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne, steadied the ship, cutting the deficit to 94 runs by stumps. This day-night Test has already showcased intense battles, with Starc’s brilliance under the pink ball and India’s efforts to recover.
Starc’s Career-Best Spell Wrecks India
Mitchell Starc’s mastery with the pink ball was on full display as he claimed career-best figures of 6 for 48. His lethal opening over set the tone, trapping Yashasvi Jaiswal plumb lbw with a searing inswinger. Starc struck again in each of his three spells, consistently dismantling India’s lineup. His tally of 72 pink-ball Test wickets in Australia is unmatched, cementing his reputation as a day-night Test specialist.
India’s top-order struggled against Starc’s pace and movement. KL Rahul and Shubman Gill briefly provided resistance with a 69-run partnership, but Starc returned to break the stand. Rahul fell for 37, and Starc soon dismissed Virat Kohli with a delivery that bounced sharply, exposing India’s vulnerability. A chaotic 15-minute collapse saw India lose three wickets for just 12 runs before the dinner break.
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India’s Middle-Order Struggles
The middle order faltered under relentless pressure. Captain Rohit Sharma, batting at No. 6, fell cheaply as Scott Boland and Pat Cummins exploited seam movement. Cummins also accounted for Rishabh Pant with a sharp bouncer that forced an edge, leaving India in deeper trouble.
Despite the collapse, debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy showed resilience, top-scoring with an aggressive 42 off 54 balls. He unleashed a flurry of boundaries, including an audacious reverse-swat six off Boland, but his heroics were short-lived. Starc and Cummins wrapped up the innings, with Reddy the last man dismissed.
McSweeney and Labuschagne Stand Firm
Australia’s reply began on a shaky note as Jasprit Bumrah sent Usman Khawaja back for 13 with a superb delivery. However, McSweeney and Labuschagne weathered the twilight period effectively. McSweeney survived an early scare when Rishabh Pant and Rohit Sharma failed to convert a catching opportunity. From there, he gained confidence, pulling Harshit Rana for boundaries and striking five fours off India’s bowlers.
Labuschagne, under scrutiny for his recent form, found rhythm after a slow start. A gift on his pads from Mohammed Siraj allowed him to settle. The duo’s unbroken 62-run stand ensured Australia ended the day on a high, setting the stage for a dominant batting effort on the second day.
The Road Ahead
Australia’s control on day one puts them in a strong position. With the pink ball now older and natural light expected on day two, McSweeney and Labuschagne will aim to extend their partnership. India will rely on Bumrah and their bowlers to spark a turnaround. The Adelaide Test promises more drama as both teams battle for supremacy in this pivotal clash.
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