The fourth and final Test of the Border Gavaskar trophy between India and Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad saw the visitors make a solid start in the first hour on Day 1. However, the Indian team managed to get back in the game after Mohammed Shami cleaned up Marnus Labuschagne before the lunch break.
Steve Smith, who is leading the team in the absence of Pat Cummins, had no hesitation in deciding to bat first after winning the toss on arguably the best batting track of the series. His side made a steady start to the match on the back of a solid opening partnership between Travis Head and Usman Khawaja. However, India clawed their back into the game by dismissing the dangerous-looking Head after the drinks break.
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Following a few disciplined overs by the Indian spinner, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, Rohit Sharma brought back his ace fast bowler Mohammed Shami into the attack. His decision proved to be a masterstroke as the veteran pacer cleaned up Marnus Labuschagne.
Here is the video of the dismissal of Marnus Labuschagne:
𝐓.𝐈.𝐌.𝐁.𝐄.𝐑 🔥@MdShami11 sends back Labuschagne to scalp the second wicket for #TeamIndia 👌
Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/8DPghkx0DE#INDvAUS | @mastercardindia pic.twitter.com/LT3ao2kFBk
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 9, 2023
The no.1 Test batter was done by the movement off the deck and he was stuck inside the crease, as a result, the ball castled his stumps after deflecting from the inside edge of his bat. Shami, who was dropped for the third Test in Indore, was named in the playing XI at the expense of Mohammed Siraj.
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Meanwhile, Australia, who lost a couple of wickets in quick succession in the morning session, have been able to thwart the Indian bowlers in the post-lunch session thanks to Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja’s combative partnership. The tourists will be hoping for another solid stand between the pair as the slower bowlers aren’t getting much assistance, unlike the previous venues.
Shami rattles Labuschagne’s stumps to mitigate Aus advantage in the first session. Shami far more impressive in second spell than first, but Labuschagne had himself to blame for-the flawed cover drive that resulted in an inner edge
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) March 9, 2023
what a change from captain Rohit brought shami and he cleaned up marnus stumps .
— 𝗔𝘆𝘂𝘀𝗵 🇮🇳 (@RofiedAyush) March 9, 2023
