On Day 1 of the second Test between Australia and India at the Adelaide Oval, India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, produced a brilliant catch at the slips to dismiss Australia’s opener, Usman Khawaja. The moment came in the 11th over of Australia’s first innings and was a significant breakthrough for India in a tight contest.
Rohit Sharma’s incredible catch
The wicket came off Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling, with Khawaja caught at first slip. Bumrah, known for his economy and skillful deliveries, bowled a short-of-length delivery on the fifth-sixth stump line. The ball moved away just slightly, and Khawaja, who was trying to defend, failed to cover the line adequately. The ball took the thick edge of his bat and flew quickly towards Rohit at first slip. Despite the speed of the ball, Rohit reacted sharply, diving to his right to take a two-handed catch. This remarkable catch helped India make the breakthrough as Khawaja was dismissed for 13 off 35 balls, with two boundaries. As he walked off the field, Khawaja shook his head, possibly regretting his decision to play at that wide delivery.
Here is the video:
Who else but #JaspritBumrah to get 🇮🇳 the breakthrough? 🤷♂️
Rohit takes a safe catch, and #UsmanKhawaja departs! ☝#AUSvINDOnStar 2nd Test 👉 LIVE NOW on Star Sports! #AUSvIND | #ToughestRivalry pic.twitter.com/3ie1DSGa1R
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 6, 2024
Bumrah’s performance on Day 1 was nothing short of exceptional. He was the only bowler to take a wicket for India, and his tight spell was key in keeping the Australian batters under control. Bumrah bowled 11 overs, conceding only 13 runs and maintaining an incredible economy rate of 1.20. His ability to bowl accurately and economically put immense pressure on the Australian batters and was a crucial factor in India’s getting a first breakthrough.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Sanjay Manjrekar exposes major flaw in Virat Kohli’s technique after flop show with bat in Adelaide Test
Australia in control against India
Earlier in the day, India chose to bat first but struggled to put up a significant total. They were bowled out for just 180 runs in their first innings, with Australia’s Mitchell Starc delivering an outstanding performance. Starc took six wickets in his spell, decimating the Indian lineup with his pace and precision. Nitish Kumar was the top scorer for India who played an explosive innings of 42 runs. In reply, Australia had a steady start, reaching 86 runs for the loss of just one wicket by the close of play on first day. The Australian innings was anchored by openers Nathan McSweeney and top-order batter Marnus Labuschagne, both of them still remained unbeaten. With a deficit of 94 runs, Australia are well-placed to make a strong push on Day 2.