Pune: The world’s No. 1 Test team’s batting line-up was bundled out for a mere 105 in reply to Australia’s 260 on Day 2 of the first Test match of the four-match series, in Pune.
The hosts now trail Aussies by 155 runs on a pitch that has deteriorated badly and are now in danger of losing a Test at home for the first time in five years. The last time India lost a Test in India was against England in 2012, when the Alastair Cook-led team beat MS Dhoni’s men by seven wickets in Kolkata.
India went into the first Test riding a 19-Test undefeated record, having won six Test series consecutively. But in Pune, they have become a victim of their own plan. India offered a rank turner to Steve Smith and Co knowing very well that Australian batsmen are not great players of spin bowling. The last time Australia were in the sub-continent, Sri Lanka thrashed them 3-0.
Things didn’t go according to India’s plan though. Australia won the toss and decided to bat first on a turning track. Opener Matthew Renshaw and David Warner gave them a good start as they made 82 runs for the first wicket. Indian bowlers put up a solid performance from there and reduced Australia to 205/9, but a quick-fire fifty from Starc helped them reach 260 in the first innings.
Reinvigorated with Starc’s indomitable innings, the Aussie bowlers attacked Indian batsmen form the word go. Starc and Josh Hazelwood produced a mesmerising spell to reduce India to 44/3, with skipper Virat Kohli departing for a rare duck.
From thereon, it was the Steve O’Keefe show after the rookie left-arm spinner picked up six wickets as Australia knocked over India for a sorry 105.
