Adelaide: Australia's bowlers, led by the irrepressible Mitchell Starc, delivered a devastating display on Day 1 of the pink-ball Test against India, bowling the visitors out for a mere 180 in 44.1 overs here on Friday.
Starc's fiery six-wicket haul, punctuated by sharp bouncers and swinging yorkers, left India struggling to find footing in an intense opening day under lights at the Adelaide Oval.
The day began dramatically as debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal fell lbw to the first ball of the match, caught off guard by a sharp in-swinger from Starc. India faltered further when KL Rahul, who looked promising with a composed 37, was undone by a vicious short ball that he edged to gully. Earlier in his innings, Rahul had been dropped twice — first by a diving attempt at gully and later off a tough chance in the slip cordon.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, typically dependable, offered little resistance. Kohli fell for 7, edging Starc to second slip, while Rohit was trapped plumb in front by Scott Boland for 3. India skipper opted against reviewing, with ball-tracking confirming the dismissal.
India's most resilient phase came, courtesy Nitish Reddy, who counterattacked fearlessly, smashing 42 off 54 balls. His innings featured audacious reverse scoops and powerful pulls, including a stunning six over deep extra cover.
However, his bravery was tested when a 142.5 kph bouncer from Starc struck him flush on the helmet badge. After a brief check, Reddy continued to bat before eventually holing out to Travis Head at mid-off, giving Starc his sixth wicket.
Rishabh Pant (21) also showed flashes of brilliance, including a breathtaking pull off Mitchell Marsh, but fell victim to a rising delivery from Pat Cummins that ballooned to Marnus Labuschagne at gully.
Starc's devastating spell, finishing with figures of 6/48, was a masterclass in pink-ball bowling. He dismissed Harshit Rana with an unplayable inswinging yorker, completing his first five-wicket haul against India in Tests.
His dominance under lights solidified his reputation as the most lethal bowler in day-night matches, now boasting four five-fors in this format — more than any other player.
As Australia head into their innings, all eyes will be on India’s bowlers to replicate the ferocity displayed by their counterparts. However, the pressure of defending a modest total under lights will test their resolve.
With Starc’s name etched once again into the annals of pink-ball history, the hosts hold the upper hand as Day 1 heads into its final session.
