Mitchell Starc once again cemented his reputation as the master of the pink ball, delivering a devastating spell on Day 1 of the second Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 series at the Adelaide Oval. The left-arm pacer’s six-wicket haul not only showcased his skill and hunger but also shifted the momentum dramatically in Australia’s favor. India, riding high after their comprehensive victory in Perth, were brought crashing down to reality as Starc’s brilliance dismantled their batting lineup for a mere 180, the lowest first-innings total in a day-night Test at this iconic venue.
Starc’s heroics began with the very first ball of the match, as he trapped the confident Yashasvi Jaiswal LBW with a full outswinger that curved sharply under the overcast conditions. Jaiswal, who had taunted Starc about his pace during the Perth Test, was silenced in dramatic fashion. This early strike set the tone for what would be a relentless assault on India’s batting order. Starc, bowling with pace, precision, and intent, seemed almost unplayable under the unique twilight conditions, particularly as the pink ball began to swing prodigiously.
KL Rahul and Shubman Gill offered a glimmer of hope for India with a 69-run second-wicket partnership. Rahul, who had the rub of the green with a reprieve off a no-ball and a dropped catch in the slip cordon, played fluently, scoring a stroke-filled 41. Gill, returning to the side after recovering from a fractured finger, looked assured in his strokeplay. However, just as India appeared to stabilize, Starc returned in his second spell to wreak havoc.
Rahul’s dismissal, courtesy of a rising delivery that produced an edge safely pouched by Nathan McSweeney in the cordon, triggered a dramatic collapse. Virat Kohli, despite his scintillating century in Perth, looked out of sorts and fell for just 7, edging a good-length ball that nipped away late. Gill, who had looked the most composed of the Indian batters, suffered a moment of indecision, missing a half-volley from Scott Boland, and was bowled just before the tea break.
The middle order failed to provide resistance, with Rohit Sharma’s struggles against seam movement continuing. Batting at No. 6 in a strategic move, Rohit was undone by an inswinger from Boland, pinned on the front foot for a modest score. Rishabh Pant, looking to counterattack, fell to a vicious Pat Cummins bouncer, and despite a late cameo from debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy, India were bundled out for an underwhelming 180.
Australia’s response was measured and composed, with Marnus Labuschagne and Nathan McSweeney standing tall after the early dismissal of Usman Khawaja. The pair added 61 runs in a controlled partnership, nullifying the Indian bowling attack under challenging evening conditions. Jasprit Bumrah bowled tirelessly, sending down 11 overs with precision, but lacked support from the rest of the attack. Harshit Rana, despite showing promise and generating pace, was unlucky not to find the edge on several occasions. Mohammed Siraj started well but lost rhythm towards the end of his spell, conceding boundaries that allowed the Australian batters to grow in confidence.
The Indian bowling unit, which had impressed in Perth, seemed to lack discipline on Day 1. Poor line and length were evident, as highlighted by Sunil Gavaskar during commentary. He pointed out that India’s tendency to bowl on the leg stump or too short allowed the Australian batters to leave deliveries with ease and survive LBW appeals, especially during the twilight period when conditions heavily favored the bowlers. Adding to India’s woes, they conceded 15 extras in just 33 overs, reflecting a lack of control and focus.
At stumps, Australia sat comfortably at 86 for 1, trailing by just 94 runs with nine wickets in hand. Labuschagne, under pressure following a lean patch, looked solid, while McSweeney, in only his second Test, displayed remarkable composure against a high-quality attack. With the pitch offering some assistance to bowlers and the pink ball likely to swing under lights, Day 2 will be critical for both sides.
For India, the onus will be on their bowlers to regroup and deliver with greater precision, as the match could slip away quickly if Australia builds a substantial first-innings lead. The batting unit, particularly stalwarts like Kohli and Rohit, must reflect on their dismissals and prepare for a stronger showing in the second innings. On the other hand, Australia will look to press home their advantage and aim for a commanding total to put India under pressure.
Mitchell Starc’s performance has been the standout story so far, his six-wicket haul a reminder of his potency in pink-ball Tests. His ability to exploit conditions and deliver in crucial moments has put Australia firmly in the driver’s seat, setting the stage for an intriguing contest as the Test progresses.
