Australia’s Nathan McSweeney showcased his sharp reflexes and athleticism with a brilliant catch at gully to dismiss Indian opener KL Rahul on Day 1 of the second Test in Adelaide. The stunning effort broke the burgeoning partnership between KL Rahul and Shubman Gill, giving the hosts a crucial breakthrough during a tightly contested opening session.
The day began with India opting to bat first after winning the toss, a decision that immediately came under scrutiny as Mitchell Starc delivered a fiery start. The left-arm pacer struck with the very first ball of the match, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal for a golden duck with a trademark full, swinging delivery that trapped the left-hander plumb in front of the stumps.
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Mitchell Starc’s early strike put Australia on top, setting the tone for a spirited bowling display. KL Rahul and Shubman Gill steadied the innings, resisting Australia’s probing attack with a composed partnership. However, the partnership came to an abrupt end in the 19th over.
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Facing Starc in his second spell, Rahul failed to control a rising short delivery. The ball flew off the top edge of his bat, travelling towardthe gully. McSweeney, stationed there, judged the trajectory perfectly and dived forward to pull off a sensational low catch, sending Rahul back to the pavilion for a well-compiled 37 off 64 balls.
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The dismissal underscored Australia’s relentless intent and McSweeney’s growing reputation as a livewire in the field. With Rahul’s wicket, Australia kept themselves in the contest, while India relied on their middle order to rebuild and post a competitive total on a challenging Adelaide track.
