Ravichandran Ashwin defied all the odds as Team India secured crucial 53-run first innings lead in the pink-ball contest against Australia at the Adelaide Oval. Ashwin returned with a four-for and in the process, achieved a rare feat against the most prized Aussie batsman – Steve Smith.
The host started day two on a high removing India’s tail in quick time as the visitors could only manage 11 runs to their overnight total. Virat Kohli & Co had their task cut out and the bowlers responded well to contain the Aussie batting for 191 runs in Adelaide. Jasprit Bumrah struck twice whereas Ravichandran Ashwin joined the party and broke Australia’s batting line-up by removing the likes of Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green and Nathan Lyon to return with 4/55.
Ravichandran Ashwin attains special feat
Umesh Yadav also joined the party late with three crucial wickets but it was Ashwin, who broke Australia’s backbone with important scalps. He got the pink ball to turn and put India on top as soon as he got rid of dangerman Steve Smith for 1 (29). Incidentally, Smith averaged a breathtaking 84.05 versus India in whites, including 7 tons and 3 half-centuries, prior to coming out to bat on Friday.
Also Read: Watch – Ravichandran Ashwin Bowls A Ripper To Get Steve Smith Cheaply
With Smith’s wicket, Ravichandran Ashwin attained a special feat by becoming the first Indian bowler to dismiss the former Aussie captain on a single digit in a Test Down Under.
Here are Smith’s overall numbers versus India in whites Down Under:
162* (Adelaide Test, 2014), 52*, 133 (Brisbane Test, 2014), 28, 192 (Melbourne) Test, 2014, 14, 117 (Sydney Test, 2014), 1 (Adelaide Test, 2020*)
Also Read: Watch – Marnus Labuschagne Imitates Steve Smith In Adelaide
Meanwhile, speaking about the game, Indian batsmen will have their job cut out on day three. They will have to bat for long hours and post a mammoth total to take the game out of Australia’s hand with two more day’s of play left.
Currently, India are at 15 for two after losing Prithvi Shaw and nightwatchman Jasprit Bumrah. They will want a big partnership from Mayank Agarwal and Cheteshwar Pujara as they aim a 300+ total.