Australia ends day 1 in commanding position after Starc’s heroics

ADELAIDE: Australia will undoubtedly be the happier side after a solid performance on Day 1 of the day-night Test in Adelaide. They finished at 86 for 1, trailing India by just 94 runs, after a disciplined bowling effort bundled out the visitors for 180 earlier in the day.

Mitchell Starc was the star of the show, claiming a career-best 6-48, ripping through the Indian lineup. India suffered an early blow when in-form opener Yashasvi Jaiswal fell to the very first ball of the match. Despite a valiant 42-run knock by Nitish Kumar Reddy, India could only crawl past the 175-mark, with their innings folding inside two sessions.

In reply, Australia’s innings began steadily, with only Usman Khawaja losing his wicket. Marnus Labuschagne and Nathan McSweeney then stitched an unbeaten 62-run partnership for the second wicket, consolidating their team’s position.

With a series-levelling victory in sight, Australia will now look to capitalize on their strong start. Day 2 promises to be an intriguing contest as India seeks a way back into the match.