In the second innings, Indian spinners spun a web around the Australian batters, dismissing them for their second-lowest total in Tests against India.
Australia was humiliated in the first Test of the Border Gavaskar Series in Nagpur after Indian spinners made a mockery of the Australian batting line-up. Ravichandran Ashwin claimed his 31st five-wicket haul in red-ball cricket, cruising through Australia’s top-order with ease.
The first two days of the first Test were dominated by the home team, and the third day followed a similar pattern. Despite losing Ravindra Jadeja early in the morning session, India maintained a comfortable 223-run lead thanks to an entertaining partnership between Axar Patel and Mohammed Shami. While Shami left after a quick 37 off 47 pitches, Axar was the final batter to leave after an impressive 84.
The Australian batters were all at sea against Ravichandran Ashwin’s mastery of the ball from then on. He set the tone for the home team by dismissing Usman Khawaja in his first over of the game. Things only got worse for the visitors as Ashwin quickly got into his stride, spinning a web around the Australian batters.
Marnus Labuschagne, Australia’s best batter in the first innings, narrowly escaped an LBW decision against Mohammed Shami. However, he was caught in front by Ravindra Jadeja, effectively ending Australia’s chances of a comeback in the Test match. Even though Steve Smith fought valiantly from one end, the Indian spinners chipped away at the wickets from the other.
Ashwin’s love affair with the Australians continued as he starred with a magnificent five-for, passing Harbhajan Singh to become the series’ second-most successful bowler. Mohammed Shami, who had a useful cameo with the bat, dismissed Australia for an embarrassing 91 runs, their second-lowest total against India.
