India Falters After Winning the Toss, Bowled Out for 180
The second Test between India and Australia in Adelaide began with high expectations, especially after India’s remarkable performance in the first match under Jasprit Bumrah’s captaincy. However, Day 1 of the pink-ball Test belonged entirely to the Australians. Despite winning the toss and choosing to bat first, India struggled from the outset and were dismissed for just 180 runs in the first innings.
Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed on the very first ball of the match, setting the tone for what would become a difficult day for the Indian batting lineup. Though KL Rahul and Shubman Gill built a steady partnership, once Rahul was sent back to the pavilion, a dramatic collapse followed.
India’s middle and lower order failed to resist the Australian pace attack. Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Rohit Sharma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravichandran Ashwin, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj all fell in quick succession.
Nitish Kumar Reddy stood out as the top scorer for India with a composed 42 runs. Still, it was not enough to give the visitors a respectable total on a pitch that looked ideal for batting early on.
Mitchell Starc Leads with the Ball, India’s Top Order in Trouble
Starc’s Six-Wicket Haul Wrecks India
Australian pacer Mitchell Starc was the star of the day, ripping through the Indian lineup with a remarkable six-wicket haul. His fiery spells with the pink ball showed once again why he remains the most lethal bowler in day-night Test cricket. Pat Cummins and Scott Boland also played crucial supporting roles, maintaining tight lines and building pressure from the other end.
Starc now has a staggering 66 wickets in pink-ball Tests at a strike rate of 36.5, making him the most successful bowler in the format. Nathan Lyon follows him as the second-highest wicket-taker in pink-ball games, underlining Australia’s dominance in this version of the game.
India’s Pink-Ball Woes in Australia Continue
India has yet to win a pink-ball Test on Australian soil, and Day 1’s performance only added to that painful record. In contrast, Australia has been nearly unbeatable in the format, winning 11 out of their 12 day-night Tests.
Australia in Strong Control at Stumps
Confident Start by Australian Batters
In reply, Australia ended the day at 86/1, trailing by just 94 runs with nine wickets in hand. Usman Khawaja was the only casualty, dismissed by a sharp delivery from Jasprit Bumrah for 13 runs.
Nathan McSweeney (38*) and Marnus Labuschagne (20*) were unbeaten at the crease, carefully building a solid partnership. The home side looks poised to take a significant first-innings lead if they continue at this pace on Day 2.
Rohit Sharma Under Pressure Amidst Poor Form
Lack of Runs from the Skipper
Rohit Sharma’s struggles in Test cricket have become a growing concern. At 37, questions are beginning to surface about his role and form, particularly after a string of disappointing innings. His last ten Test innings include scores of 11, 18, 8, 0, 52, 2, 8, 23, 5, and 6 — a worrying trend for Indian cricket.
If India loses this Test match, there may be significant pressure on the BCCI and Sharma’s leadership, especially with younger talents knocking on the door.
What’s Next for Team India?
Heading into Day 2, India will need early wickets to claw their way back into the match. With Australia in a commanding position and the pitch offering little for bowlers under lights, it’s a daunting challenge. The Indian bowlers, led by Bumrah, must find inspiration to replicate their first Test success and restrict Australia’s lead.
The Adelaide Test is shaping up to be a critical contest — not just for the series, but potentially for India’s long-term Test cricket roadmap.