AUS vs IND: Day 1 review, important moments and key performances at stumps

After India won the toss and opted to bat, The Border-Gavaskar series in Adelaide got off to a thrilling start, with Mitchell Starc getting Prithvi Shaw out on only the 2nd ball of the first over. Cheteshwar Pujara and Mayank Agarwal batted together for about 18 overs before Pat Cummins got the breakthrough, bowling an absolute ripper that swung in late and knocked over Agarwal’s off stump.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara gave Team India a bit of reassurance, seeing off Starc and Cummins’ spells. The pair added 68 runs for the 3rd wicket before Pujara lost his wicket to off-spinner Nathan Lyon.

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Vice captain Ajinkya Rahane and Virat Kohli looked in control of things after Pujara’s wicket. Kohli got to his half century in 123 balls. It looked as if the pair were going to bat the entire day before poor calling from Rahane led to Kohli getting run out on 74. The Indian captain looked upset as he walked off, with Rahane himself not looking happy either.

After Kohli’s departure, the Aussies made the most of the new ball, picking up 2 quick wickets of Rahane and Hanuma Vihari. Although India looked in trouble, Ravichandran Ashwin and Wriddhiman Saha saw off the last 6 overs. Ashwin in fact played a couple of good shots whereas Saha looked composed at the other end. India end the day’s play on 233-6.

Australia will be looking to exploit India’s lower order with the new ball on Day 2. Ashwin and Saha will look to add as many runs on the board as they can, considering the fact that they are Team India’s only recognized batsmen left.