Cricket fans, buckle up! The 2nd Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 at Adelaide is turning into an unforgettable spectacle, and Mitchell Starc is the headline act. Australia’s left-arm pace wizard unleashed his finest pink-ball magic, dismantling India’s batting line-up with a fiery five-wicket haul on the opening day. Let’s dive into how the day unfolded and Starc’s brilliance took center stage.
Starc’s Five-Wicket Show: A Breakdown
- The First Blow – Jaiswal’s Duck
Starc set the tone from the very first ball of the match. A peach of a delivery swung in late to trap Yashasvi Jaiswal LBW, leaving the young batter shell-shocked. Adelaide erupted as Starc claimed a wicket with his very first ball! - KL Rahul’s Resilience Ends
After a promising start, KL Rahul fell victim to Starc’s clever variation. A short delivery lured Rahul into a risky pull shot, only to edge it to gully. His dismissal at 37 was a turning point, as India’s momentum crumbled. - Kohli Falls to Precision
The prized scalp of Virat Kohli came next. Starc targeted the corridor of uncertainty, inducing a faint edge that carried to the slips. Kohli’s departure for just 7 runs stunned Indian fans worldwide. - Middle-Order Collapse
Shreyas Iyer became Starc’s fourth victim as he was undone by a sharp in-swinger. Harshit Rana, India’s debutant, had no answer to Starc’s toe-crushing yorker, which shattered the stumps to cap the pacer’s five-wicket masterclass.
Starc’s Excellence with the Pink Ball
Playing in Adelaide under light, Starc showcased why he’s the leading wicket-taker in pink-ball Tests at this venue, now boasting 39 dismissals at a stunning average of 16.64. His ability to extract late swing, both conventional and reverse, was on full display as he used the conditions to perfectionˀˀ
The Numbers That Matter
- India’s Position: At stumps, India struggled at 143/8, unable to counter Starc’s relentless onslaught.
- Starc’s Figures: 5 wickets for 47 runs in 15 overs, with a stellar economy of 3.13.
Pink-Ball Mastery: What Makes Starc Unstoppable?
- Unmatched Swing: Under lights, Starc exploited the extra zip and movement the pink ball offers.
- Pinpoint Yorkers: His trademark deliveries left the Indian tailenders scrambling.
- Mental Toughness: Starc’s ability to stay calm and execute under pressure makes him a standout bowler in pink-ball cricket.
Mitchell Starc’s fiery spell not only brought Australia into a commanding position but also reminded the cricketing world of his sheer dominance with the pink ball. As we move into Day 2, the pressure is on India to salvage their innings and respond to Starc’s heroics. Stay tuned for more edge-of-the-seat action from the Adelaide Oval!
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