Jasprit Bumrah Shines with McSweeney’s Crucial Wicket
On Day 2 of the second Test at the Adelaide Oval, India’s pace ace, Jasprit Bumrah, finally broke through. It was much needed. Bumrah dismissed Nathan McSweeney for 33. This ended a 67-run stand with Marnus Labuschagne. It had frustrated Indian bowlers for much of the morning.
The dismissal came in the 37th over. Bumrah bowled an in-swinging delivery on a good length. It jagged back sharply from the fourth stump line. McSweeney, trying to defend with a straight bat, edged the ball to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant. He caught it easily. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and his teammates celebrated. The breakthrough ended a tough stand that had kept India on the back foot.
McSweeney’s Resistance Tested India’s Patience
Nathan McSweeney, playing with composure and maturity, scored 33 runs off 78 deliveries. His partnership with Labuschagne was key. It helped Australia extend their lead after a shaky start under the lights on Day 1. McSweeney seemed ready to make a bigger score. But, Bumrah’s precise bowling proved too much for the 25-year-old.
This key moment could potentially shift the momentum of the game, with Australia at 107/3 at the time of writing. Labuschagne is still at the crease. He is a big threat to India’s hopes of limiting Australia’s first-innings total.
Mitchell Starc Dominates Day 1 with Career-Best Performance
Australia’s edge in the match came from a stunning Day 1. Left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc was the star of the day. After Indian skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and chose to bat, Starc’s deadly pace and swing tore apart India’s batting lineup. He claimed a remarkable 6/48, his career-best in Test cricket, and left the visitors reeling at 180 all out.
India’s top order, including Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, fell cheaply. Shubman Gill showed some resilience. But, he fell to Starc’s fiery second spell. Nitish Kumar Reddy scored a gritty 28, resisting a bit. But, Starc’s brilliance gave Australia full control on day one.
India Fights Back Under Lights
In response, Australia faced testing conditions under the pink-ball lights. Jasprit Bumrah gave India hope by dismissing Usman Khawaja for 18 with a sharp delivery in his opening spell. Labuschagne and McSweeney steadied the innings. They took Australia to 86/1 at stumps on Day 1.
On Day 2, India’s bowlers struggled to break through. Then, Bumrah’s magic delivery sent McSweeney packing. With the match finely poised, India must rely on their pace attack to limit Australia’s lead.
Key Stats from the Match So Far
India’s First-Innings Total: 180 all out
Mitchell Starc’s Bowling Figures: 6/48
Australia’s Score at Stumps (Day 1): 86/1
Current Score (Day 2): 107/3 (at the time of writing)