In a gripping encounter of the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), Mitchell Starc etched his name into the record books by dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal on the very first ball of the second Test between India and Australia at the Adelaide Oval. The Australian pacer achieved a rare feat, equaling former West Indies cricketer Pedro Collins for most wickets on the first ball of a Test match. This dismissal marked Jaiswal’s third duck in his short Test career, having made a name for himself in the international circuit since his debut in 2023.
Mitchell Starc Joins an Elite List with His First-Ball Wicket
Starc’s wicket of Jaiswal was not just a crucial moment in the match but also an historic achievement. By dismissing Jaiswal LBW, Starc joined a select group of bowlers who have claimed the first wicket of a Test match on three occasions. Pedro Collins holds the record for most first-ball wickets, and Starc’s achievement ties him with the former West Indies paceman.
This moment further solidified Starc’s status as one of the premier fast bowlers in world cricket. He is now part of a prestigious club that includes New Zealand’s Richard Hadlee, England’s Geoff Arnold, India’s Kapil Dev, and Sri Lanka’s Suranga Lakmal, all of whom have achieved this feat at least twice in their careers.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Struggles Continue in Test Cricket
Jaiswal’s dismissal on the very first delivery was a bitter blow to India’s hopes of a solid start in the pink ball Test. Opening the batting with KL Rahul, Jaiswal found himself trapped by Starc, and though there was a brief discussion between the Indian openers regarding the possibility of a review, Jaiswal chose to walk off the field. This marked the third time Jaiswal had been dismissed for a duck in his Test career, a concerning trend for the young left-handed opener.
India’s Lineup and Changes Ahead of the 2nd Test
India entered the second Test with three changes in their playing XI after their victory in the first Test. The team, which won the toss and opted to bat first, saw Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Ravichandran Ashwin return to the squad. They replaced Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, and Washington Sundar, all of whom were part of the first Test victory in Perth.
Despite Jaiswal’s early dismissal, India’s opening combination, which had worked well in the first Test, remained unchanged. Jaiswal and KL Rahul had put together a mammoth 201-run stand in the second innings of the first Test, contributing significantly to India’s 295-run victory.
Australia’s Approach: Scott Boland Replaces Josh Hazlewood
For Australia, the big change came in the bowling attack. With Josh Hazlewood sidelined due to injury, Scott Boland was brought in as his replacement. The veteran pacer’s inclusion bolstered Australia’s fast-bowling department, which is crucial in the conditions at the Adelaide Oval, especially under the lights of the pink ball.
India vs Australia: The Border-Gavaskar Trophy Showdown
The second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams looking to assert their dominance. With the first match in Perth in India’s favor, Australia will look to bounce back in Adelaide, leveraging the conditions to their advantage.
India’s strong lineup, led by captain Rohit Sharma, will be hoping for a solid performance from their batters, with Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli in excellent form. The match also offers an opportunity for India’s bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin, to shine under the lights.
The Key Takeaways
- Mitchell Starc’s Record-Breaking Feat: Starc’s dismissal of Jaiswal on the first ball of the Test equaled the record for most first-ball wickets in Test matches.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Third Duck: Jaiswal’s struggle to get going in Test cricket continues, raising questions about his consistency.
- India’s Strong Lineup: India’s changes bring experience back into the team, but Jaiswal’s form remains a point of concern.
- Australia’s Response: With Scott Boland replacing Hazlewood, Australia will look to challenge India in the pink ball Test.
Conclusion
Mitchell Starc’s landmark wicket against Yashasvi Jaiswal has added another chapter to the legacy of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. As the match continues at the Adelaide Oval, cricket fans can look forward to more moments of brilliance. With India and Australia both hungry for victory, this Test promises to deliver even more excitement in what is shaping up to be a historic series.
