Fri Dec 06 20:28:31 UTC 2024: ## Australia Dominates Day 1 of Adelaide Test Against India

**Adelaide, Australia:** Mitchell Starc’s career-best six-wicket haul spearheaded Australia’s dominance on day one of the second Test against India in Adelaide. India, electing to bat, were bowled out for a paltry 180 before stumps, despite a promising start. Nitish Reddy’s aggressive 42 was the only significant resistance to Starc’s lethal swing bowling, which decimated India’s middle and lower order.

Starc’s devastating spell included five wickets in a single session, targeting the stumps with precise inswingers. Key Indian batsmen like Rohit Sharma (3) and Rishabh Pant (21) fell to the Australian pace attack, with Pant even being dropped early on. KL Rahul (37) and Shubman Gill (31) provided a solid opening stand, but their dismissals triggered a dramatic collapse.

Despite the early wickets, Australia didn’t find smooth sailing in their reply. Jasprit Bumrah, celebrating his birthday, dismissed Usman Khawaja with a stunning delivery, leaving Australia at 24/1. However, Marnus Labuschagne (20*) and Nathan McSweeney (38*) steadied the ship with an unbeaten 62-run partnership, leaving Australia at 86/1 at the close of play, still trailing by 94 runs. McSweeney was fortunate to survive a dropped catch.

India’s pacers will need to significantly improve their performance on day two to restrict Australia, who will enjoy more favorable batting conditions during the day. The match remains keenly contested, with Australia holding a significant advantage heading into day two.

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