Fri Dec 06 11:41:54 UTC 2024: ## Starc’s Six-Wicket Haul Leaves India reeling on Day 1 in Adelaide
**Adelaide, Australia:** Mitchell Starc’s sensational six-wicket haul dominated Day 1 of the second Test between Australia and India at the Adelaide Oval, leaving the tourists struggling on 180 all out at tea. Nitish Kumar Reddy’s 42 was the top score for India, who won the toss and elected to bat.
The match marks a significant turnaround for Australia, who suffered a crushing 295-run defeat in the first Test in Perth. The home side, facing intense scrutiny from the media and former players over their lack of “killer instinct,” found a potent weapon in Starc’s fiery bowling.
India, boosted by the return of captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, initially looked comfortable. However, Starc’s spell, supported by contributions from Scott Boland (who dismissed Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill) and Pat Cummins, dismantled the Indian batting order. The Indian bowlers, despite Jasprit Bumrah’s impressive achievement of becoming the first pacer in 2024 to reach 50 Test wickets in a calendar year, struggled to contain Australia’s response.
Despite some promising partnerships and individual fight from Nitish Reddy, India’s innings ended prematurely, leaving Australia with a strong position heading into Day 2. The match was briefly interrupted by faulty floodlights, adding an unusual element to the day-night encounter. Australia’s openers, Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney, then put on a steady partnership that frustrated the Indian fielders as play concluded for the day. The wicket, initially appearing to favor the bowlers, proved to offer more assistance to batting as the day progressed.
The match continues tomorrow.
First Piper 