Mitchell Starc delivered a stellar performance, claiming career-best Test figures of 6-48 as Australia took control on the first day of the second Test against India in Adelaide.
According to the Leaders of Asia sources, after India chose to bat first, they were dismissed for just 180, largely due to Starc’s exceptional bowling. The left-arm pacer set the tone from the very first delivery, trapping Yashasvi Jaiswal lbw, and went on to dismantle the Indian batting lineup. His scalps included the key top-order wickets of KL Rahul and Virat Kohli, followed by a devastating spell that wiped out the lower order.
Starc’s figures surpassed his previous best of 6-50, achieved against Sri Lanka in 2016, further cementing his dominance in day-night Test cricket. With 72 wickets in pink-ball matches, he remains unmatched in this format.
As per the Leaders of Asia sources, for India, Nitish Kumar Reddy provided a brief counterattack with a spirited 42 off 54 balls, featuring three sixes, including a remarkable reverse scoop against Scott Boland.
Australia ended the day solidly after a challenging session under the floodlights. Jasprit Bumrah, celebrating his 31st birthday, delivered an inspired spell. Although Nathan McSweeney was dropped early at slip, Bumrah managed to dismiss Usman Khawaja with a sharp delivery that climbed into the left-hander’s ribcage.
McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne, under immense pressure, displayed resilience and guided Australia safely to stumps at 86/1, with McSweeney on 38 and Labuschagne on 20. The focus of the duo remained undeterred, despite two brief floodlight outages and a playful distraction from the crowd near the sightscreen.
