The second Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Adelaide saw the Indian cricket team face a dramatic collapse on the first day, leaving fans and netizens in shock. From a strong position of 69/1, India found themselves reeling at 81/4 before lunch, with key wickets falling, including Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Shubman Gill.
Rohit Sharma’s Decision Backfires on Day 1
Indian captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bat first on a pitch that was expected to offer assistance to the bowlers. However, his decision quickly backfired when opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for a duck on the very first ball of the Test match. A perfectly pitched inswinger from Mitchell Starc trapped Jaiswal in front of the stumps, and India’s troubles began.
KL Rahul and Shubman Gill, however, started to rebuild the innings, forging a 69-run partnership for the second wicket. While Rahul was initially slow to get off the mark, Shubman Gill was in fluent touch, playing some exquisite cover drives. Despite a dropped catch by Usman Khawaja at first slip and a no-ball from Scott Boland, Rahul managed to survive for a while.
The Collapse: Rahul, Kohli, and Gill Fall in Quick Succession
However, the Indian innings fell apart soon after. In the 19th over, Starc returned to bowl and produced a rising delivery that Rahul could not handle. Rahul attempted to get on top of the bounce but ended up edging the ball to Nathan McSweeney, who took a stunning diving catch at second slip.
The collapse continued, with Virat Kohli following suit. Kohli, who had looked solid for his 7 runs, edged another delivery from Starc to Steve Smith at first slip, handing the Australian pacer another crucial scalp. As if the situation wasn’t dire enough, Shubman Gill, who had just returned from an injury, was dismissed for LBW by Scott Boland, leaving India at 81/4 just before tea.
Rishabh Pant and Rohit Sharma Left to Repair the Damage
At the close of play before tea, Rishabh Pant (4*) and Rohit Sharma (1*) were at the crease. The Indian team, once looking comfortable, now faced the daunting task of recovering from a precarious position.
Mitchell Starc Shines Under the Lights
Mitchell Starc was the star of the day for Australia, continuing his excellent form with the pink ball. His pace and swing troubled the Indian batsmen, and he quickly became the talk of the town on social media. Netizens were quick to commend Starc’s performance, with many praising his ability to exploit the conditions.
“Absolute carnage by Starc!” wrote one Twitter user, while another praised the pacer for his relentless pace and swing: “The pink ball dances to Mitchell Starc’s rhythm! Fast, furious, and unstoppable! #Starc #PinkBall #BowlerExtraordinaire.”
India’s Top-Order Woes: Netizens React
The collapse of India’s top-order sent ripples through social media, with fans expressing both frustration and disbelief. A user posted, “Virat Kohli, what have you done? That wasn’t even a wicket-taking delivery, just an unnecessary gift to the slips!” Many criticized the indecision and soft dismissals that led to India’s downfall.
Starc’s Milestone: 50 Wickets in Pink-Ball Tests
In addition to his match-winning performance, Starc also reached a significant milestone, completing 50 wickets in pink-ball Tests. This achievement further cemented his status as one of the best seamers in the world when it comes to the day-night format.
What Lies Ahead for India?
As India fights to stay in the game, the rest of the match promises to be a thrilling contest. With Pant and Sharma still at the crease, India will be hoping for a recovery. However, the Australian bowlers, led by Starc, will look to build on their momentum and push for further breakthroughs.
The dramatic collapse on Day 1 of the second Test in Adelaide has left fans eagerly awaiting what will unfold on Day 2. Will India bounce back or will Australia continue to dominate? Only time will tell.
Conclusion: A Day of Mixed Emotions for Indian Fans
Day 1 of the second Test in Adelaide has been a rollercoaster for Indian fans, with the team suffering a dramatic collapse after a promising start. While Australia’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Mitchell Starc, stole the show, India will need to regroup and focus on stabilizing their innings. As the Test match progresses, all eyes will be on whether India can recover or if Australia’s bowlers will continue their dominance.
