Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Mitchell Starc delivered a sensational performance on Friday, claiming his first-ever five-wicket haul against India in Test cricket during the second day-night Test in Adelaide. The left-arm pacer dismantled the Indian batting lineup with a fiery spell, finishing with career-best figures of 6 for 48 as India was bowled out for 180 on the opening day.
Starc’s dominance began with the very first delivery of the match. Bowling with pace and precision, he trapped opener Yashasvi Jaiswal lbw for a golden duck, giving Australia an early breakthrough after India opted to bat first.
Despite a brief recovery by KL Rahul and Shubman Gill, who added 69 runs for the second wicket, Starc returned to wreak havoc. In a devastating spell late in the first session, he dismissed Rahul for 37 and then sent skipper Virat Kohli back for just 7 in successive overs, leaving India reeling.
The carnage continued after the Tea break when Starc removed R Ashwin and debutant Harshit Rana in the same over, further deepening India’s woes. His final scalp came in the form of Nitish Reddy, who top-scored for India with 42, as the visitors folded for 180.
This remarkable spell marked Starc’s first Test fifer against India and his fourth in day-night Tests. Notably, Starc now holds the record for the most five-wicket hauls in Pink-ball Tests, surpassing all other bowlers, none of whom have more than two.
Australia’s clinical bowling display, led by Starc, has given them a commanding start in the crucial Test match, putting India under immense pressure going forward.
