Mitchell Starc’s Six-Wicket Haul Puts Australia Ahead in Second Test Against India
In a dominating display of fast bowling, Mitchell Starc reached career-best figures of 6 for 48, which helped Australia take control on the first day of the second Test against India at the Adelaide Oval. Australia bounced back from a heavy defeat in the first Test, dismissing India for a paltry 109 runs in 44.1 overs.
Starc set the tone immediately, trapping Yashasvi Jaiswal lbw with the very first delivery of the match—a searing inswinging yorker that left the opener with no chance. This dismissal was particularly satisfying for Starc, as Jaiswal had previously taunted him during the first Test, suggesting his bowling was “too slow.
A short respite, though, came courtesy of Shubman Gill (31) and KL Rahul (37), as India’s batting order folded under unrelenting pressure. Starc’s penetrative spells meant that he took key wickets of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both bowled by balls that climbed sharply off the deck. Pat Cummins and Scott Boland helped Starc in his quest to blow India’s innings apart, as each took important wickets.
In response, Australia ended the day at 71 for one, with Nathan McSweeney (38*) and Marnus Labuschagne (20*) at the crease, reducing the first-innings deficit to below 100 runs. The hosts’ solid start with the bat has put them in a commanding position as the match progresses.
This performance shows the resilience of Australia and the prowess of Starc with the pink ball, for which he has now taken 72 wickets in day-night Tests—a record that puts him at the top of the format.
As the Test progresses, all eyes will be on India’s bowlers to see if they can emulate Australia’s success and bring their team back into contention.
