Aussie Upset
Australian Cricket and the Recent Loss
A. M. Bailey
Ravichandran Ashwin’s magnificent five-wicket haul sent Australia crashing to an embarrassing three-day defeat in the first Test against India last Saturday. Ashwin’s performance was instrumental in India winning by an innings and 132 runs, taking a 1-0 lead in the four-match series.
Australia were bowled out for 91 in just 32.3 overs, their lowest total ever in India, lasting just beyond a single session after lunch on day three. Steve Smith top-scored with 25 not out, facing 51 deliveries, while only three other batters reached double figures. Ravindra Jadeja picked up two for 27, while Axar Patel finished with a wicket as well.
“It feels amazing to come back after five months and score runs, take wickets, and give your 100%,” said Jadeja after being named player of the match. “I bat at a crucial position and try not to change many things. While bowling, I was trying to keep it at the stumps so that the batsmen would make mistakes.”
Trailing by 223 runs, Australia got off to a shocking start before the entire innings collapsed. Ashwin partnered Mohammed Shami with the new ball and struck immediately. Usman Khawaja (5) was caught at slip going for an expansive cover drive. David Warner (10) survived a dropped catch at slip but was trapped LBW soon after. In between, Jadeja trapped Marnus Labuschagne (17) LBW. Two overs later, Ashwin did the same to Matt Renshaw, (2) as Australia collapsed to 42 for four.
Smith provided some resistance from one end, but Ashwin was unstoppable. Peter Handscomb (6) was out next, also LBW. Alex Carey (10) tried to reverse sweep his way out of trouble but inevitably fell to Ashwin, out LBW again, as the off-spinner completed his haul.
Ashwin left the attack but Australia’s troubles did not end. Pat Cummins (1) was caught behind off Jadeja, while Todd Murphy (2) was caught off Patel to make it 75 for eight. Shami (two for 13) bowled Nathan Lyon (8) to delay tea by another 30 minutes.
“Playing the spinners was always going to be hard work,” said Cummins. “The wicket spun [in the first innings] but wasn’t unplayable. We should have scored 100 more runs [then]. A couple [of] batsmen did get started, but they needed to score big.”
While Australia’s batting performance was dismal, the Indian bowlers deserve a lot of credit for their discipline and consistency. Ashwin’s five-wicket haul was a testament to his skills as an off-spinner, with the ball spinning sharply and deceiving the Australian batsmen. Jadeja also contributed with his accurate and effective left-arm spin, picking up two crucial wickets.
Ashwin’s performance was particularly impressive, as he was coming back from a lengthy injury layoff. He had not played a Test match since January 2021 due to a back injury, and his return to the side was eagerly anticipated by the Indian cricket fans. His five-wicket haul on his comeback was a timely reminder of his quality and his value to the Indian side.
Jadeja also had a significant impact with both bat and ball. He scored a valuable 43 runs in the first innings, batting with the tail and helping India to a commanding total of 337.
Overall, India’s performance in the first Test was outstanding, and their comprehensive win puts them ahead 1-0 in the series. The Australian team will need to regroup quickly if they hope to make a comeback in the next three matches.