Australia take grip on opening Test as Kohli’s run-out leads India to mini-collapse

Adelaide: Vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane ran out his captain Virat Kohli after a horrible mix-up, leading India to a mini-collapse after an intense opening day of the day-night first Test at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday.

The number-two ranked Test batsman Kohli batted with great temperament and composure for his 28th half-century after the visitors were struggling at 32-2. India reached 233-6 at stumps after opting to bat.

Wriddhiman Saha (9) and Ravichandran Ashwin (15) will return on Friday hoping to continue India’s march towards the 300-mark.

Earlier, Mitchell Starc removed the scoreless Prithvi Shaw with the second delivery of the day and Pat Cummins dismissed fellow opener Mayank Agarwal (17) later in the opening session to give Australia a strong start to the four-match series.

Cheteshwar Pujara and Kohli posted a valuable 68-run stand before Nathon Lyon’s dismissed with his consistent off-spin bowling. Pujara made 43 runs from 160 deliveries which included two fours.

India looked in complete control as Kohli and Rahane were going strong, building 88-run partnership but Kohli’s run-out led Australia to make a comeback and they remove Rahane and Hanuma Vihari in quick succession after that.

Kohli made 180-ball 74 which included eight fours while Rahane scored 42 off 92 balls. Vihari managed to score 16 only.

For Australia, Starc picked two while Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon took a wicket each. All-rounder Cameron Green debuted for Australia and bowled nine overs.

Read: Maxwell, Swepson diminish India hopes of clean sweeping Australia

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