IND vs AUS 2nd Test Day 1 Highlights 2024 | Australia vs India, 2nd Test, Day 1

The first day of the second Test between Australia and India at the Adelaide Oval saw the hosts take command after an exceptional bowling performance by Mitchell Starc and a steady start with the bat. By stumps, Australia were firmly in control, trailing India’s first-innings total of 180 by just 94 runs with nine wickets in hand.

Australia vs India, 2nd Test
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide - 6 December 2024

India: 180 all out (44.1 overs; Nitish Reddy 42, KL Rahul 37; M Starc 6-48, S Boland 2-54)
Australia: 86/1 (33 overs; N McSweeney 38*, M Labuschagne 20*; J Bumrah 1-13)

Day 1 - Stumps, Australia trail by 94 runs.

India Collapse After Bright Start

Winning the toss and opting to bat, India had a disastrous start as Yashasvi Jaiswal was trapped lbw by Starc on the very first ball of the match. However, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill rebuilt the innings with a promising 69-run partnership. Rahul, looking solid with a composed 37, was eventually caught off a sharp delivery from Starc, while Gill fell shortly after to Scott Boland for 31.

The dismissals of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in quick succession left India reeling at 87/5. Nitish Reddy provided some resistance lower down the order, scoring a spirited 42 off 54 balls, including three sixes. Ravichandran Ashwin chipped in with a brisk 22, but it was Starc who stole the show. The left-arm pacer dismantled India’s batting lineup with devastating swing and pace, finishing with career-best figures of 6/48. Pat Cummins and Scott Boland supported him well, taking two wickets apiece as India folded for 180 in just 44.1 overs.

Australia Steady Under the Lights

Faced with a tricky session under the lights, Australia started cautiously. Jasprit Bumrah provided an early breakthrough, dismissing Usman Khawaja for 13 with a sharp delivery that was edged to Rohit Sharma at slip. Despite the early loss, Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne steadied the ship with patient batting.

McSweeney, dropped early in his innings, made the most of his opportunity, finishing unbeaten on 38 off 97 balls. Labuschagne, batting alongside him, showed his characteristic grit to reach 20 not out by the close of play. The Indian bowlers, while disciplined, failed to capitalize on the favorable conditions under the lights, allowing Australia to finish at 86/1 after 33 overs.

Analysis: A Day of Missed Opportunities for India

India’s bowling lacked penetration, particularly in the final session where they needed quick wickets to offset their batting collapse. While Bumrah was economical and picked up the lone wicket, Mohammed Siraj and Harshit Rana failed to consistently trouble the Australian batters.

Comparatively, Australia executed their plans with precision, with Starc leading the charge. His ability to extract swing and deliver toe-crushing yorkers left the Indian batting order in disarray.

What to Expect on Day 2

Australia will look to build a substantial first-innings lead on what is expected to be the best day for batting at the Adelaide Oval. With nine wickets in hand and seasoned campaigners like Steven Smith and Travis Head yet to bat, the hosts are in a strong position to put India under pressure.

For India, the challenge will be to strike early and restrict Australia’s lead. The bowlers must exploit the early morning conditions to regain some ground in the contest.