![AUS vs IND [WATCH]: Nathan McSweeney grabs a spectacular catch to dismiss KL Rahul on Day 1 of the Adelaide Test](https://crickettimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Nathan-McSweeney-grabs-a-spectacular-catch-to-dismiss-KL-Rahul-on-Day-1-of-the-Adelaide-Test.webp "AUS vs IND [WATCH]: Nathan McSweeney grabs a spectacular catch to dismiss KL Rahul on Day 1 of the Adelaide Test")
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The second Test between India and Australia at the Adelaide oval kicked off with palpable excitement as fans gathered to witness a clash of talent and skill. The first session of Day 1 was marked by intense bowling, strategic batting, and a moment that would be etched in the memories of cricket enthusiasts: Nathan McSweeney‘s extraordinary forward diving catch to dismiss KL Rahul.
Nathan McSweeney plucks a stunner to dismiss KL Rahul
The pivotal moment came during the 18.4 over when Mitchell Starc bowled a short of length delivery around off stump. Rahul, who had been looking to defend the ball, hesitated momentarily, attempting to withdraw his bat at the last second. Unfortunately for him, it was too late; the ball edged off the face of his bat and flew low towards gully. In a flash, McSweeney launched himself forward, extending his hands just in time to secure a clean catch beneath him. The third umpire quickly confirmed the catch, leaving no doubt about its legitimacy.
This dismissal was significant not only for its execution but also for its timing. Rahul had been looking solid at the crease, having scored 37 runs off 64 balls with six boundaries before his dismissal. The extra bounce generated by Starc proved to be decisive, and McSweeney’s catch exemplified the importance of fielding in cricket—turning what could have been a steady partnership into a moment of despair for the Indian side.
Also READ: Mother of coincidence! Kane Williamson and KL Rahul escape dismissals on No-Balls on the same day in Wellington and Adelaide Tests
Here’s the video:
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Australia dominates the first session against India
Earlier in the match, India won the match and opted to bat, however, visitor’s innings began shakily. The opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for a duck in the very first over, leaving India at 0 for 1. Rahul, who batted at the top of the order, managed to stabilize the innings briefly before falling to Starc for 37 runs off 64 balls. His dismissal came at a critical juncture when he edged a delivery that bounced unexpectedly to McSweeney at gully, who executed a remarkable forward diving catch. This wicket marked India’s second loss, with the scoreboard reading 69/2.
Shubman Gill contributed a solid 31 runs but fell victim to Scott Boland shortly after Rahul’s dismissal, pushing India’s score to 77/3. Virat Kohli‘s struggles continued as he was dismissed for just 7 runs, caught by Steve Smith off Starc’s bowling. At this point, India found themselves in deep trouble at 81/4 within just over 21 overs.
As the players headed into tea, India’s total stood at 82 runs for the loss of four wickets after 23 overs. Rishabh Pant and Rohit Sharma were at the crease, with Pant not out on 4 and Rohit at 1. The fall of wickets was alarming for India, especially considering that they had lost three wickets quickly in succession. The bowling performance from Australia was impressive, particularly from Starc, who took three wickets for just 31 runs in his eight overs.
