India’s head coach, Rahul Dravid, was seen overjoyed as fast bowler Mohammed Siraj took the wicket of Australia’s Usman Khawaja on the first day of the first Test match at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur.
In Siraj’s first over with the new ball, he bowled an outswinger to Khawaja, who was hit on his pad, leading to an appeal from the bowler and keeper, KS Bharat. Although umpire Nitin Menon initially ruled not out, India captain Rohit Sharma chose to review the decision, which showed three reds and Khawaja had to depart.
Even Rahul Dravid is pumped up! pic.twitter.com/Del3JV9KHr
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 9, 2023
The Indian team was ecstatic over Siraj’s strike, as Khawaja could have been a threat on Nagpur’s spin-friendly pitch. The momentum continued for India as ace pacer Mohammed Shami dismissed opener David Warner in the third over with a ball that knocked out the stumps.
Australia attempted a comeback with 82 runs added by Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith but suffered another setback as Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Labuschagne and Matt Renshaw in consecutive deliveries. As the day progressed, Peter Handscomb and Alex Carry aimed to secure the innings for Australia, who chose to play four specialized bowlers, including debutant Todd Murphy.
