The first day of the India-Australia Test series opener in Nagpur saw an exciting battle between bat and ball on a challenging batting surface. Despite losing two fast wickets, the visitors were in a good position until Ravindra Jadeja worked his magic, removing Marnus Labuschagne and Matt Renshaw on successive deliveries.
Marnus Labuschagne was looking excellent value at the bat and was on track for his first half-century in India, but his innings were cut short as he was beaten all ends up by a ripper from Ravindra Jadeja. The ball gripped and turned to miss Labuschagne’s bat, which was a few paces down the pitch, enabling KS Bharat to stump the batsman. In his first game, it was the Indian wicketkeeper’s first contribution from behind the stumps.
The next batsman, Matt Renshaw, did not concern the scorers as he was removed for a golden duck on the very next ball of the over. The southpaw failed to hit his flick in front of the wicket and burnt a review in an effort to reverse the umpire’s on-field decision. The home team regained momentum via to Jadeja’s double-wicket maiden.
Jaddu is on 🔥
Sir Jadeja #BGT2023 #INDvsAUS #1stTest #BorderGavaskarTrophy #Jadeja #BorderGavaskarTrophy2023 pic.twitter.com/TFMY0AmmNh— Cricket Star (@CricketStar24x7) February 9, 2023
Australia had already lost Usman Khawaja and David Warner in the first three overs, giving the hosts an early lead. However, Australia’s two finest hitters, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith helped to steady the ship with a good third-wicket stand. While Smith took a more cautious approach, Labuschagne seemed more confident at the crease.
Following Labuschagne’s exit, Smith took the attack to the Indian bowlers, hitting three boundaries in an over against Axar Patel. Ravindra Jadeja, on the other hand, ended Smith’s innings with a stunning stroke of bowling.
