4th Test: Australia Vs India Day 1

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Post on Dec 26, 2024

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4th Test: Australia vs India Day 1 - A Day of Dominance for the Aussies

The fourth and final Test match between Australia and India at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad got underway on March 9th, 2023, and Day 1 belonged firmly to the Australians. The pitch, initially expected to be a turner, offered some early bounce and carried pace, allowing the Aussie quicks to exploit the conditions and leave India reeling.

A Devastating Start for India

India, having won the toss and electing to bat first, faced an immediate onslaught. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, India's opening pair, struggled to cope with the pace and bounce generated by Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc. Boland, in particular, was unplayable, consistently hitting the right areas and extracting prodigious movement. Rahul was the first to fall, caught behind off a superb delivery that swung late.

The early dismissal set the tone for the day. Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli showed some resistance, but the pressure from the Australian attack remained relentless. Kohli, after a promising start, was undone by a peach of a delivery from Nathan Lyon, a classic off-spinner's dismissal that left him trapped LBW. This wicket proved crucial, effectively shattering any hopes of a substantial first-innings total.

The Collapse

The fall of Kohli triggered a collapse. The Indian middle order crumbled under the weight of exceptional bowling and aggressive fielding. Ajinkya Rahane and Shreyas Iyer offered brief resistance, but couldn't build a significant partnership. The wickets tumbled in rapid succession, leaving India struggling at a precarious position.

The Australian bowlers were relentless, maintaining a consistent line and length and exploiting the conditions perfectly. Their disciplined bowling, combined with sharp catching in the field, resulted in a consistent stream of wickets for the Aussies. Australia's bowling attack showed incredible synergy and precision. They were able to keep the pressure on the Indian batsmen throughout the day, not allowing any significant partnerships to develop.

India's Lower Order Fights Back (Slightly)

The lower order, however, showed some resilience, with Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin adding a valuable partnership. This partnership stemmed the bleeding somewhat but couldn't prevent a significant deficit at the end of the day. Their resistance added some crucial runs to the Indian total, preventing an absolute rout. However, their efforts were not enough to change the overall narrative of the day.

A Strong Finish for Australia

Australia ended the day on a high, with India's innings eventually ending with a below-par total. The Australian bowlers finished the day with impressive figures, showcasing their dominance throughout the day.

Key highlights from Day 1:

• Scott Boland's exceptional bowling performance.
• The collapse of the Indian middle order.
• Relentless pressure from the Australian bowling attack.
• A below-par total for India.
• Solid lower order resistance from Axar Patel and Ashwin.

What to Expect on Day 2

Day 2 promises to be equally exciting. Australia will aim to capitalize on their strong start and further extend their lead. India will need a collective effort from their batsmen and bowlers to prevent a potentially devastating defeat. The pitch is expected to become increasingly challenging for batting as the match progresses. The battle between the Australian pace attack and the Indian batting line-up will undoubtedly be the key focus.

This was a day of complete Australian dominance. The pitch conditions played a part, but the sheer skill and precision of the Australian bowlers were undeniable. India will need a monumental turnaround to stay in this Test.