The Australians got off to a flying start in the first Test against India at the Adelaide Oval, despite losing the toss and being forced to bowl in near 40-degree heat.
Josh Hazelwood did the damage almost immediately, nicking off KL Rahul for 2 (8). Hazelwood and Mitch Starc bowled beautifully early, drawing false strokes and putting the Indians on the back foot.
The first wicket of the Test summer! https://t.co/lTUqyqRMzW #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/qAIm6k6Uw0
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 6, 2018
The next wicket was Murali Vijay who caught behind by Tim Paine off of Starc as Australia suddenly had India 2-15.
Out came Virat Kohli and the Indian captain was quickly dismissed for 3 (16), with Pat Cummins getting the key scalp.
Usman Khawaja took an incredible catch, one SEN commentator Simon Katich doesn’t believe he would’ve been able to take a year ago – highlighting his growth.
Incredible from @Uz_Khawaja! #AUSvIND | @bet365_aus pic.twitter.com/eLgBLnQssM
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 6, 2018
Batting first gave India the advantage, but Australia has quickly eaten into their suspect batting order.
They had to given the heat and the expectation that the Adelaide pitch would flatten out and become a good batting wicket.
Wicket number four sealed a great session for Australia as Hazelwood got Rahane flashing outside off and nicking behind to Peter Handscomb.
What a start from the Aussies this morning!
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 6, 2018
Live coverage HERE: https://t.co/lTUqyqRMzW #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/F0fWlMTl6A
India went into lunch 4/56 with Pujara 11 (62) and Sharma 15 (23) at the crease. Hazelwood has two wickets, while Starc and Cummins have one each. Nathan Lyon has bowled six overs already as the Aussies spread the load to deal with the heat.
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