(MENAFN- NewsBytes)
#IndiaInAustralia: Three key moments of the first Test
10 Dec 2018
The Indian cricket team tasted victory in the first Test against Australia in Adelaide.
The visitors had set a target of 323 for Australia, and won the match by 31 runs.
The Aussies showed resistance, but fell short in the end.
This was Virat Kohli's 25th career Test victory as the Indian captain.
Here are the key things that defined the first Test match.
Aussies go 0-1 down in four-match series
Fact
After resuming on 104/4 on Day 5, Shaun Marsh (60), Tim Paine (41) and the Australian tail put up a strong fight. But the Indian bowlers were patient and managed to get wickets at crucial stages. India lead the four-match Test series 1-0.
Pujara the star for India in both innings
Pujara
Cheteshwar Pujara was India's best player in this Test.
After a stellar 123-run knock, Pujara's 71 off 204 balls in the second innings helped India breathe.
The 250 runs amassed in the first innings by India set the tone of this match.
Pujara was instrumental in three key partnerships.
The 62 run-stand with R Ashwin in the first innings was the pivotal moment.
Spinners Lyon, Ashwin show their class in Adelaide
Spin show
The pacers did a remarkable job in this Test, but credit to the two lead spinners for extracting so much from the pitch.
Nathan Lyon was terrific with eight wickets in this match and he also put in a shift in both innings with the bat.
And then there was R Ashwin.
The Indian ace spinner kept things simple and used the drift well.
Gritty batting set us up for a pulsating Test match
Grit
Both teams showed character with the bat in crucial times.
In the first innings, India fought back from 127/6 to get to 250.
And then Australia were in a similar situation and they managed to get to 235.
India did enough in the second innings, before Aussies too showed a lot of steel to get close.
Players put a price on their wicket.
MENAFN1012201801650000ID1097809708
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.