Choosing to bat first, Australia started their innings on a high, with David Warner and Usman Khawaja building a 50-run opening stand for them. However, things slipped out of the hands of the Aussies after the dismissal of Warner as they soon lost a few more quick scalps post 36-year-old’s wicket.
Soon, India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin struck twice in an over and sent back world no. 1 Test batter Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith to pavilion. Labushcagne, who was batting at 18 off 25 was found leg before wicket (lbw) on Ashwin’s brilliant ball. Meanwhile, Smith was caught behind for a duck off the Tamil Nadu cricketer’s sensational delivery.
The wicket-taking delivery of Ashwin to Smith was bowled outside the off stump and did not bounce much. The right-handed batter tried to defend but ended up getting an outside edge, and Srikar Bharat took a magnificent low catch to dismiss the former.
Ashwin rejoiced both the wickets, and his teammates were thrilled as well.
Here’s the video:
Marnus Labuschagne
Steve Smith@ashwinravi99 gets 2⃣ big wickets in one over ??#TeamIndia #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/UwSIxep8q2
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 17, 2023
In the meantime, Khawaja impressed with the bat for Australia and scored a brilliant 81 off 125 balls, with Peter Handscomb contributing crucial 72 runs to the team’s total. Aussie skipper Pat Cummins also played a cameo of 33 runs.
As far as India’s bowling is concerned, Mohammed Shami took four wickets for the hosts, while Ravindra Jadeja and Ashwin picked three wickets each.
Coming out to bat next, India will now look to survive the remaining day without losing a wicket. However, Australia would eye to trouble the hosts with the new ball in the evening.
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