2nd Test: McSweeney and Labuschagne Propel Australia Forward Following Starc's Six-Fer Against India

Adelaide, Dec 6 (NationPress) Opener Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne effectively countered India's bowlers with a disciplined and defensive performance, propelling Australia to 86/1 in 33 overs, trailing the visitors by 94 runs at stumps on the first day of the day-night second Test at the Adelaide Oval on Friday.

After Mitchell Starc achieved career-best figures of 6-48, aiding Australia in dismissing India for 180, McSweeney (38 not out) and Labuschagne (20 not out) navigated a challenging batting phase under lights, where the pink ball exhibited significant movement from India's seamers, who failed to attack the stumps effectively and claimed only one wicket.

In the final session, Jasprit Bumrah showcased his skills, causing McSweeney to edge the ball. Rishabh Pant attempted a catch diving to his right but only grazed the ball with his fingertips. Rohit Sharma couldn't secure the rebound as the ball struck his wrist, granting McSweeney a reprieve on three runs.

Bumrah finally secured a wicket when Usman Khawaja edged a length delivery to slip after an awkward fending effort. Under pressure, Labuschagne took 19 balls to score his first run before elegantly flicking a delivery from Siraj for his initial boundary.

Meanwhile, McSweeney grew more comfortable, pulling and driving for boundaries, and struck Nitish Kumar Reddy for two consecutive fours. He and Labuschagne formed an unbroken partnership of 62 runs for the second wicket, concluding the opening day of the day-night match in favor of Australia.

Brief scores:

India 180 all out in 44.1 overs (Nitish Kumar Reddy 42, K.L. Rahul 37; Mitchell Starc 6-48, Pat Cummins 2-41) lead Australia 86/1 in 33 overs (Nathan McSweeney 38 not out, Marnus Labuschagne 20 not out; Jasprit Bumrah 1-13) by 94 runs