India bowled out Australia for 177 runs on Thursday at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur, with Rohit Sharma taking the lead with an unbeaten 56. At day’s end, India was 77 for 1, needing 101 runs to surpass the visitors. The decision to bat first, made by Australia captain Pat Cummins after winning the toss, backfired due to a group bowling effort led by Ravindra Jadeja. As India bowled out Australia for a pitiful total, Ravichandran Ashwin collected three wickets and Jadeja claimed a five-wicket haul.
Post India’s dominating show on the opening day of the first Test, former cricketer and commentator Akash Chopra asked on Twitter: “What if ‘the best chance to beat India in India’ turns out to be a damp squib?” To this, a fan, presumably from Pakistan, said: “Only Pakistan have abilty to beat India in india.” However, it was Chopra’s reply that caught the limelight.
“I love your positivity but janaab, aap Apne ghar ki series toh Jeet lo (But boy, at least win your own home series). With Australia, England and NZ at home. Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and WI in away series, Pakistan should have reached the WTC finals already,” wrote Chopra.
I love your positivity but janaab, aap Apne ghar ki series toh Jeet lo. With Australia, England and NZ at home. Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and WI in away series, Pakistan should have reached the WTC finals already. https://t.co/UEo67hQYU9
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 9, 2023
Speaking specifically about Day 1 of the first Test against Australia, Jadeja claimed a five-wicket haul on his international comeback as India dominated the day. On a shifting Nagpur surface, Jadeja finished with stats of 5 for 47, and fellow spinner Ravichandran Ashwin claimed three scalps to dismiss Australia for 177 in the last session. India’s reply saw them at 77 for one at the time of stumps, with skipper Rohit Sharma on 56 and Ashwin still at the crease without a run. Australia still has a 100-run lead over the hosts. KL Rahul, who scored a laborious 20 runs, is the lone wicket that India has lost thus far.