The Adelaide Test was a hard fought one with both teams giving it all, but Australia finishing up as the winners, and deservedly so, as they had dominated the Test for most part. As the Aussies rejoice in the glory, and pay tributes to Phil Hughes, we pick five phases in the match, which had a significant impact on the eventual result of the Test.
Warner gives Australia smashing start: The first day of a series is significant, and the Adelaide Test was even more considering the circumstances under which the match was played. David Warner ensured that the Australians had the best of the opening day, with a brilliant century which set the tone of the game for the hosts. Not only did he score a big ton, but he did so at such a brisk pace that it allowed Australia enough time to win the Test, in hindsight. It was also a fantastic effort, considering he was part of the game in which Phillip Hughes was felled.
Smith and Clarke put Oz in cruise control: Once Australia had been given a brilliant start by Warner, they were always going to be in control, but Steven Smith and Michael Clarke ensured that they put India under further trouble. Both looked in no trouble at all as they kept punishing the Indian bowlers. Smith gave further proof of his growing stature as a batsman, with a sublime hundred and Clarke, in spite of his injury problems, made sure that he batted with great sense of responsibility.
Kohli hits ton, but rest don’t convert starts: If India look back at the match, they will rue the fact that a number of batsmen did not convert their starts in the first innings. Virat Kohli was the only one who went on to register a terrific ton under pressure. Three batsmen, Murali Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane crossed fifties, but none could carry on to register three figures, which hurt India in hindsight.
Warner’s second ton, and Marsh’ blitz: After India’s lower order collapsed on the penultimate day, Australia had to bat really fast to ensure that they had enough time to bowl out India on the final day. As things panned out they did. And, for the same, the hosts need to thank Warner. After smashing a ton in the first innings, he came all guns blazing a second time round as well, and ensured that the Indian attack was put to the sword. He played some smashing strokes, and was well supported by Mitchell Marsh lower down the order, who played a fantastic cameo to help Australia declare early.
India collapse after Vijay, Kohli sizzle: India were in an unbelievably good position on the final day, that was until Vijay was dismissed on 99. From 242 for 2, India capitulated to 315, with only Kohli holding fort from one end. Although Kohli was dismissed with India needing 60 runs to win, it would have been difficult for India to win even with him around as the others were falling without resistance. It was Vijay’s dismissal that really set the cat among the pigeons for India.
--By A Cricket Analyst
