Kuldeep shines on debut as India bundle out Aussies at 300 despite their strong start

INDIA RESTRICTED AUSTRALIA at 300 and remained unbeaten after batting an over before the end of day’s play on the first day of the fourth Test in Dharamsala. With skipper Virat Kohli ruled out of the Test, vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane stepped up to take captaincy duties for the final Test. Ahead of the game, India made two changes, roping in Kuldeep Yadav for Kohli and Bhuvneshwar Kumar in place of Ishant Sharma.

Winning the toss, Aussie skipper Steve Smith chose to bat with an unchanged XI. Despite losing in-form Matt Renshaw early in the game, Smith and David Warner gave the visitors a flying start. The duo launched a rapid counter-attack and took Australia to 131 for 1 at lunch. However, debutant Kuldeep Yadav wrecked Australia’s plans soon coming after lunch. He removed Warner to mark his maiden wicket, courtesy of a swift catch by Rahane. Earlier, the explosive opener was given a lifeline in the first ball of the innings when he was dropped by Karun Nair on Bhuvneshwar’s delivery.

Kuldeep, who is the first chinaman bowler to play for India, dismantled the visitor’s middle-order as he produced a magnificent spell of four for 68. The 22-year-old left Handscomb and Maxwell puzzled as he bowled them out with two terrific deliveries. While Bhuvi, Ashwin and Jadeja picked a wicket-each, Umesh Yadav had two victims to his name at stumps.

Although the Indian bowling attack got the better of Aussie batsmen, Smith continued to plunder runs as he racked his 20th Test century. Ashwin, who claimed the key wicket of Smith, went past Dale Steyn to record most wickets in a season. Apart from Smith and Warner, it was Matthew Wade who scored a patient 57 to drag his side to 300. 

The opening day saw a complete U-turn as Kuldeep led India’s remarkable fightback to pull things back in India’s control. After bundling the visitors out for 300, India came on to bat for an over and remained unbeaten without scoring a run. With KL Rahul and Murali Vijay on crease, India will be looking to overhaul the visitors’ total on day two. Witnessing the pitch and the outfield's assistance, it won't be a surprise if day two turns out to be another eyeball grabber. 
 

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