Australia’s young pacer Xavier Bartlett produced a dream start yet again, striking twice in quick succession to send India on the back foot at 17/2 in 7 overs during the second ODI at Adelaide Oval.
After dismissing Shubman Gill for 9 earlier, Bartlett delivered a near-perfect delivery to trap Virat Kohli lbw for a duck (0 off 4 balls). It was a classic nip-backer, reminiscent of Shane Watson’s style, seaming in sharply from a length to hit Kohli plumb in front of middle stump. The Indian talisman was caught on the crease, and ball-tracking confirmed it was crashing into middle of middle.
Kohli’s dismissal marks his second duck of the series, while Bartlett, visibly elated, now has figures of 2 overs, 1 maiden, 3 runs, and 2 wickets (Econ: 1.50) — a spell that has completely silenced the Adelaide crowd.
At the crease now are Rohit Sharma (8 off 28) and Shreyas Iyer (0 off 1), tasked with rebuilding the innings after India lost both openers within the powerplay.
With Josh Hazlewood (3-2-3-0) maintaining relentless pressure from the other end, Australia’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss is proving spot-on so far.
India will now rely heavily on their middle order to stabilize after Bartlett’s fiery new-ball burst, which has left the visitors struggling for momentum early on.
