What debut it was for India’s Kuldeep Yadav, the left-arm chinaman bowler and it was his effort after the lunch which helped the hosts reduce Australia to 300 all out on day one of the fourth and final Test at yet another new venue Dharamshla today.
India are without their star player and captain Virat Kohli in this match as he is still recovering from the shoulder injury. Ajinkya Rahane, who is acting as captain lost the toss and Smith had no hesitation to bat first on a wicket which offered some help to the pacemen in the initial stages.
Very first ball of the match David Warner was dropped in the slips off Bhuvanesh Kumar, who replaced Ishant Sharma. Then Umesh Yadav stuck an early blow, clean bowling the in form Renshaw.
But captain Smith, who has batted brilliantly in this series went on to score his third century of the series – not many visiting captains have done, playing in India.
Smith and Warner batted superbly taking the score to 131 at lunch. Warner was a bit circumspect, while Smith hardly wasted any delivery, playing some glorious strokes all around. His flicking and square driving was as awesome today as it has been right through the series.
The real drama began after lunch with the introduction of Kuldeep Yadav- the debutant. Uttar Pradesh’s twenty-two-year-old Kuldeep bowled a fantastic spell, removing Warner, Hanscomb and Maxwell quickly, as the visitors were slumped to 178 for five from 144 for one. Smith held one end with his brilliance and after he got out for 111 the Aussies were in danger of being bowled out below 250.
Then, Wade’s half century and Cummings good support Australia could reach a respectable 300 in the end, which is not a bad first innings score on this wicket. Kuldeep – the star of the day claimed four wickets, while Umesh Yadav, picked two.
In the remaining one over, the hosts made one without loss. Tomorrow first hour is going to be very important for the Indians as the morning dew might offer some assistance to the pacemen.
India has to win the match to retain Border-Gavaskar trophy, while a draw is enough for the Aussies.
Mahavaadi Sudeer– DD Commentator
