It was a saddening defeat for India in the first test match at the Adelaide Oval against Australia as they squandered away a golden opportunity to take the upperhand in the 4-test match series. Australia won the match by 48 runs that could have easily ended on a different note.
Image Source: AAP News
Australia after a sensational batting performance declared their second innings on 290/5 leaving India to chase down a stiff target of 364 on the final day. It did not start the way the Indians would have wanted as Shikhar Dhawan and Cheteshwar Pujara got out early. Dhawan (9) was unlucky to be given out caught behind off a short ball which hit him on the shoulder on its way to the keeper. Pujara never looked comfortable against Nathan Lyon before finally succumbing on 28. But Virat Kohli and Murali Vijay took the charge and looked determined to take India over the line. It seemed that both the batsmen were invincible. Vijay survived few tight calls but Kohli was absolutely flawless. The Australian bowling attack looked toothless when Vijay and Kohli were making merry in the middle. India completely dominated the proceedings till the tea break with just few more than 120 needed for victory.
Source: India News
After tea the scenario changed completely. It changed when two batsmen were on 99. Kohli got to it first. But Vijay couldn’t. He got out on 99. 5 balls later Ajinkya Rahane fell prey to the umpire’s dubious decision. And the Australians got smell of blood. They attacked Rohit Sharma who yet again squandered away the opportunity to cement his position in the test side. Wriddhiman Saha came in and looked promising but was simply done with inexperience. In an over when he India had already collected 15 runs’ 10 of those were his, there was just no need to rush and throw away the wicket at a crucial moment. He did just that and left Virat Kohli at the other end with no one to support. Kohli on the other hand was at his best. But champions do mistake, after they are all human beings. It was one shot too many when he was trying to find the gap between long-on and mid-wicket. Mitchell Marsh took the catch after an initial misjudgement. And that was it. After that it was just a matter of time for Australia to wrap up the tail and grab the victory.
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It was a defeat that will leave a number of scars on Virat Kohli. Not only that the Indian cricket fans were also deprived of tasting victory after a long time in Australia. The Australians will however feel better after winning this match for they were playing this test match for the first time after the tragic incident of Phil Hughes. Nathan Lyon who got the man of the match for his 12-wicket (5 in the first, 7 in the second innings) haul was seen patting the number 408 that was painted on the ground before the match after the match just got over.
In the end it can be said that it was test cricket at its best. It was an exciting game of cricket as it swung from one side to the other on throughout the match although the Australians had the upper hand mostly.
Tags: Cricket IND VS AUS Test India vs Australia Virat Kohli
