Photo: Fox Cricket
Making a Test debut at MCG is a dream come true for any player. Today was one such day for talented young Indian opener Shubman Gill. Even though India was on the field for Day one, he made his presence felt by taking an outstanding catch to dismiss the inform Marnus Labuschagne on Day one of the second Test.
The incident happened in the third ball of the 50th over of Day one. Debutant Mohammad Siraj bowled a full delivery which was angling into the pads. Labuschagne couldn’t resist himself and he flicked the ball towards backward square leg. Another debutant Shubman Gill was placed there by captain Ajinkya Rahane to trap Labuschagne. Gill dived low in the front and got his palm underneath to complete a stunning catch. Labuschagne was dismissed for 48 runs and this was a big turning point in the match.
Despite what happened in Adelaide a few days before, India left all that behind and started aggressively on Day one of the Boxing Day Test. Captain Rahane was right with almost all his decisions. The star performer of the day was Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. He looked unplayable for most of the Australian batsman. His scalps included the precious wicket of Steve Smith, Mathew Wade, and in-form captain Tim Paine. Pacers Bumrah and Siraj were also amongst the wickets on Day one. All in all, India should finish this day on a high until and unless Australia’s tail produces some magical efforts with the bat.
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