3 minute read
A snapshot of day one of the second cricket Test between Australia and India at the MCG.
AUSTRALIA v INDIA, SECOND TEST, DAY ONE:
Score: Australia 195 versus India 1-36.
Summary: A Boxing Day special as fans returned to the MCG for the first time in nine months, with a near COVID-capacity 27,615 turning out. India's pace attack and spinners extracted plenty of life from the pitch and bowled out the home side midway through the final session. Debutant Shubman Gill (28 not out) was dropped in the slips by Marnus Labuschagne as the visitors made it to stumps without too much damage being done despite lively bowling from Australia's pace attack.
Man of the moment: Jasprit Bumrah (4-56) claimed the most wickets on day one but it was Ravichandran Ashwin who did the most work and dismissed the most dangerous batsmen. The off-spinner claimed the scalps of Australia opener Matthew Wade, former captain Steve Smith and current skipper Tim Paine on his way to figures of 3-35 from 24 overs.
Key moment: Cameron Green hesitated and appeared to have run out his captain as Tim Paine reached for the crease with a grounded bat, running in instead of diving. Third umpire Paul Wilson said there was "no conclusive evidence to show the bat is on the wrong side of the line". But many onlookers, including for Australia stars Shane Warne and Brad Hogg, disagreed with the controversial decision and made their feelings known on social media.
Stat of the day: Three. The number of ducks Joe Burns has scored in seven innings against touring Indian teams this summer. The Australia opener has only made it past 11 runs twice in his last dozen innings.
Quote of the day: "It's hard to tell you what's par out there." Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne isn't sure which side holds the balance of power after day one.
