Indian cricket fans around the globe have been left stunned after watching India crumble to a mere score of 36/9 – their lowest ever in Test cricket. Although it seems easy to put the blame on the batsmen, an incredible show of fast bowling from Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins left the top order with no answers. It was that kind of a day for the duo where they hit the right lengths at a great pace and everything worked for them.
It was a day of milestones for Josh Hazlewood as he became the 18th Australian to take 200 wickets in Test matches. The 29 year old also got his 8th 5-wicket haul in Tests. Pat Cummins also put on a show, putting up figures of 4-21 in the second innings.
The Indians lost 8 wickets in 14 overs. Mayank Agarwal top scoring in the 2nd innings for India with 9 runs tells the entire story of the session.
Night watchman Jasprit Bumrah got out early whereas Agarwal and Pujara nicked one to Tim Paine off Hazlewood and Cummins respectively.
Skipper Virat Kohli was caught at gully by Cameron Green, trying to chase a ball outside the off stump. Hanuma Vihari and Vice captain Ajinkya Rahane were also beaten by Hazlewood’s pace as they edge one to wicketkeeper Tim Paine.
Wriddhiman Saha and Ravichandran Ashwin were also amongst Hazelwood’s scalps. Umesh Yadav stayed not out whereas Mohammad Shami left the field retired hurt.
India have a huge task that lies ahead. Restricting the Australian batting order to 89 will take a miraculous effort from the Indian bowlers.
