Mitchell Starc Dismisses Rishabh Pant, India Inches Closer to Defeat
Mitchell Starc, Australia’s left-arm pacer, dismissed Rishabh Pant with a stunning delivery. This brought India closer to defeat on the third day of the Adelaide Test. The dismissal highlighted Starc’s precision. It added to India’s woes in a Test match that has not favored the visitors.
Starc’s Masterclass Leaves Pant Struggling
The pivotal moment came in the 25th over of India’s second innings. Pant, batting with Nitish Kumar Reddy, tried to stabilize the innings. Starc, bowling over the wicket, delivered a full-length ball. It pitched around the off-stump and then shaped away sharply. Pant, playing a tentative drive away from his body, edged the ball to Steve Smith, who made no mistake in the slips.
Gottim! First over of the day and Starc strikes #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/6GUmKA4ujO
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 8, 2024
This was the third time in the series that Pant failed to capitalize on a good start. The keeper-batter is known for his exploits in Australia during previous tours. But, he has struggled to meet expectations this time.
Ashwin and Reddy Attempt to Resist
Following Pant’s departure, Ravichandran Ashwin joined Nitish Kumar Reddy at the crease. At the time of writing, India was precariously placed at 140 for six. Nitish Kumar Reddy remained unbeaten on 23*, while Ashwin was holding fort on 4*.
Mitchell Starc’s brilliance with the ball haunts India. The Adelaide Test is slipping from their grasp. With Australia’s win in sight, India’s batsmen must reflect. They missed chances and struggled against the top bowlers.
