Australia on top in 2nd India Test after Starc takes six

AFP | Manama
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Australia made a strong start to the day-night second Test in Adelaide yesterday, taking the upper hand against India after a stunning performance by Mitchell Starc. The left-arm pacer claimed 6-48, his best Test figures, as India crumbled to 180 all out.

In reply, Australia reached 86-1 by the close, with Nathan McSweeney steady on 38 and Marnus Labuschagne batting at 20. Despite losing opener Usman Khawaja for 13 to Jasprit Bumrah’s persistence, the hosts weathered the challenges of the pink ball under the lights.

India’s decision to bat first after winning the toss backfired as Starc struck with the first ball of the match, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal lbw. The early breakthrough set the tone for India’s collapse, with Starc’s fiery spell dismantling the batting lineup.

McSweeney, playing just his second Test, showed composure despite an early dropped chance by wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, while Labuschagne battled through a nervy start to keep the Australian innings steady.

India, fresh off a 295-run victory in the first Test in Perth, struggled to replicate their dominance. With Australia’s formidable record in pink-ball Tests in Adelaide—seven wins in seven matches—the visitors face an uphill battle to level the series.