Both India and Australia took the field after the dinner break, and the Australian camp appeared to be in high spirits, leaving their team huddle with laughter and camaraderie. Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant made their way to the crease, with the first few overs passing quietly as the ball swung under overcast conditions. Scott Boland, capitalizing on the swing, made the early breakthrough, dismissing Indian captain Rohit Sharma for just 3(23) when he trapped him LBW. Rohit opted not to review the decision, as it seemed straightforward. His drop to number six did not seem to help, as his poor run in the Test continued.
In walked Nitish Kumar Reddy, while Pant started to find some rhythm, playing a few shots off the middle. However, Pant’s stay was also short-lived, as Pat Cummins broke through, sending Pant back for 21(35). Next in was Ravi Ashwin, who, along with Reddy, put together a solid partnership. Ashwin batted with intent, maintaining a run-a-ball pace until Mitchell Starc returned to bowl and immediately made an impact. Starc trapped Ashwin plumb LBW, dismissing him for 141 as India lost their seventh wicket
Nitish Reddy’s Fight Back.
With India running out of batting options, the young Nitish Kumar Reddy stood firm and took the fight to the Australians, hitting sixes off both Starc and Boland. His fearless knock, played under tremendous pressure, showcased his talent and composure. Despite his efforts, Starc dismissed Harshit Rana for a duck, claiming his first fifer against India and his fourth fifer in a pink-ball Test. Starc truly rose to the occasion, consistently exploiting the conditions and finishing with remarkable figures.
Reddy, however, continued to battle, hitting a few more shots in an attempt to boost India’s total. Ultimately, he was the last wicket to fall, dismissed by Starc, and India was bowled out for just 180. This marked their lowest first-innings total in Adelaide.
India’s innings got off to a rocky start, with the early loss of their first wicket off the very first ball of the match. KL Rahul and Shubman Gill formed a promising partnership, but once it was broken, India’s collapse was swift, managing to reach only 180. The lone bright spot was Nitish Kumar Reddy’s brave knock, which helped the visitors get some respectability on the board.
For Australia, it was a field day, with Mitchell Starc leading the charge. His outstanding figures of 6/48 were the highlight of the day, as he made the most of the conditions to bowl India out cheaply. Starc’s performance in a Day/Night Test truly showcased his ability to dominate under such conditions.
