McSweeney and Labuschagne Steady Australia After Starc Shines Against India
Starc’s Career-Best 6/48 Bundles India Out for 180 as Australian Batters Dominate
Mitchell Starc delivered a sensational spell, claiming career-best figures of 6 for 48 to skittle India for 180. Following his fiery performance, Australia’s batters held firm against Jasprit Bumrah and the Indian bowling attack, solidifying their control over the match.
Mitchell Starc’s Fiery Spell Puts Australia Ahead After India’s Collapse in Pink-Ball Test
Mitchell Starc’s stunning career-best figures of 6/48 headlined the opening day of the pink-ball Test in Adelaide, as India crumbled for just 180. Starc’s devastating performance, coupled with solid batting by Nathan McSweeney (38*) and Marnus Labuschagne (20*), ensured Australia ended the day at 86/1, trailing by only 94 runs with a firm grip on the match.
Starc struck with the very first ball of the day, trapping Yashasvi Jaiswal plumb in front, setting the tone for a dominant performance. He dismissed KL Rahul (37) and Virat Kohli (7) in quick succession during a fiery second spell, derailing India’s recovery after a steady 69-run stand between Rahul and Shubman Gill. The chaos continued as India lost three wickets for just 12 runs before the dinner break.
India’s debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy provided resistance with an audacious 42 off 54 balls, including some spectacular hits against Starc and Scott Boland. However, Starc returned to finish the job, removing Reddy and wrapping up the innings. R Ashwin contributed a brisk 22 but fell to an inch-perfect inswinging yorker from Starc.
In reply, Jasprit Bumrah gave India hope by dismissing Usman Khawaja (13) with a brilliant delivery. However, McSweeney and Labuschagne weathered the twilight period and added an unbeaten 62-run partnership, capitalizing on a dropped catch by Rishabh Pant. The duo will look to strengthen Australia’s position on day two.
Brief Scores:
India 180 (Reddy 42, Rahul 37, Starc 6-48, Cummins 2-41)
Australia 86/1 (McSweeney 38*, Labuschagne 20*, Bumrah 1-13) trail by 94 runs.