Indian skipper Virat Kohli scored a fine 74, as India ended Day 1 of the opening day night test at the Adelaide Oval on 233 for 6 against Australia on Thursday.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, India lost Prithvi Shaw on just the second delivery as he edged an in swinging delivery from Mitchell Starc onto his stumps. Shaw was a controversial selection for this test and the manner of his dismissal didn’t nothing to allay fears about his lack of technique in these conditions.
Mayank Agarwal and Cheteshwar Pujara added 32 runs for the second wicket before the former was castled by a beauty from Pat Cummins for 17.
Kohli joined Pujara in the middle and the duo put on 68 runs before the latter was caught at leg gully off Nathan Lyon.
The Indian skipper was then involved in a yet another solid stand of 88 with vice captain Ajinkya Rahane. The 32-year-old star batsman looked set for a big score before a horrible mix up with Rahane ended his fine knock of 74 as he was run out.
Starc and Josh Hazlewood brought the home side back into the contest in the final session under lights by snaring the wickets of Rahane and Hanuma Vihari in succession leaving the visitors reeling at 206/6. Both of them were out LBW after the new ball was taken, highlighting the damage Kohli’s wicket had done to the visitors.
The pair of Wriddhiman Saha and Ravichandran Ashwin however managed to survived several testing overs towards the end and added 27 runs together before stumps were called.
Starc was Australia’s best bowler with figures of 2/49, while Hazlewood, Cummins and Lyon all claimed a wicket each. Debutant Cameron Green sent down nine overs for fifteen, but was wicketless.
India Stumps on Day 1 at 233/6. ( Virat Kohli 74, Cheteshwar Pujara 43, Ajinkya Rahane 42) Mitchell Starc 2/49.