On This Day in 2020 | India Were Cleaned Up On 36 By Australia In Pink Ball Test
India were humiliated by Australia in the first Test of the 2020-21 tour (X.com)
A mere hour of subpar batting proved to be the downfall for India in an entire Test match. The first India-Australia Test of the year witnessed a dismal collapse of the visitors during their second encounter with the pink ball.
On this day in 2020, India's fortunes took a drastic turn as they were bowled out for a meager 36 by Australia, despite a promising start in the pink-ball Test held in Adelaide. This marked a significant setback, with the hosts securing India's lowest-ever Test score. Subsequently, Australia went on to triumph in the Adelaide Test by 8 wickets, establishing a 1-0 lead in the four-match series.
Indian captain Virat Kohli won the toss and chose to bat on a sunny day in Adelaide. The team posted a respectable total of 244, with Kohli leading the way with a fluent 74. Additionally, India took a first-innings lead by bowling out Australia for just 191. Ravichandran Ashwin defied the odds, securing four wickets, while Umesh Yadav contributed with three crucial wickets.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the second innings as India crumbled under the skills of Josh Hazlewood, who claimed an impressive 5-8 in five overs. Pat Cummins also made a significant impact with 4-21 in 10.2 overs. The tourists' innings lasted only 21.2 overs in total, with only 15.2 overs played on that fateful day. Mayank Agarwal top-scored with just nine runs as India disintegrated.
Despite holding a strong position and leading by 62 runs on Day 3, the Indian batting lineup faltered as the Tim Paine-led side surpassed expectations. Josh Hazlewood's superb fifer and an unbeaten 51 by Joe Burns led Australia to a convincing eight-wicket win in the first Test of the series in Adelaide.
Cummins initiated the procession of wickets by dismissing nightwatchman Jasprit Bumrah (2) and having Cheteshwar Pujara (0) caught behind. The devastating spell by Hazlewood started with a double-wicket maiden, forcing Agarwal and Ajinkya Rahane (0) to snick behind to wicketkeeper Tim Paine. Cummins continued his impact, making it 19-6 by having Kohli (4) caught by Cameron Green at gully. Hazlewood struck again with consecutive deliveries, dismissing Wriddhiman Saha (4) and Ravichandran Ashwin (0). With Hanuma Vihari (8) caught behind, Hazlewood secured his 200th scalp in Test cricket and completed a five-wicket haul on the day.
India found themselves at 31-9, and after Shami managed a single and Umesh (4*) top-edged Hazlewood for four, the dismal innings came to a close when Shami retired after being struck by Cummins. The previous lowest score for India was 42 runs against England at Lord’s in 1974.
A comeback for the ages
Despite the adversity faced in Adelaide, India displayed resilience and bounced back after an eight-wicket loss, ultimately clinching the series 2-1. The team achieved notable victories in Melbourne and Brisbane, showcasing their ability to overcome setbacks and emerge victorious.
Team India garnered immense praise for securing a historic Test series win against Australia in their backyard in 2018-19. However, the triumph two years later in Australia holds even greater significance, considering the severely depleted Indian lineup that was pitted against an almost full-strength Australian team.
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