Travis Head bamboozled by Harshit’s pace, mistimes shot as Kohli laps up simple catch at mid-off
23 October 2025, 03:04 PM IST
Arshdeep Singh drew first blood by dismissing the Australian skipper Mitchell Marsh for 11.
From left: Shubman Gill celebrates the dismissal of Travis Head with Harshit Rana as Kohli completes the catch at mid-off. | Photos: BCCI/X
India found themselves in the game in Adelaide as young pacer Harshit Rana produced an inspired all-round performance to help the visitors make inroads into the Aussie batting line-up. The emerging quick not only struck a crucial blow with the ball, removing the dangerous Travis Head for 28, but also chipped in with a valuable unbeaten 24 runs off 18 balls earlier in the innings—an effort that silenced critics who had questioned his selection ahead of Kuldeep Yadav.
Australia’s reply to India’s total of 264 for 9 began shakily. After a disciplined start from the Indian new-ball pair, Arshdeep Singh drew first blood by dismissing the Australian skipper Mitchell Marsh for 11. The left-armer delivered a probing spell, maintaining a tight line and length that tested the patience of the hosts. His reward came with a good-length delivery that angled across Marsh, tempting him into a risky lofted stroke. The thick outside edge carried safely through to KL Rahul behind the stumps, giving India the early breakthrough they needed in the eighth over.
Rana then joined the party, removing the in-form Head just as he looked set to accelerate. Bowling with sharp pace and accuracy, he deceived Head with a delivery that hurried onto the bat. The Australian opener, attempting to hit through the line, only managed to mistime his shot, sending the ball looping high towards mid-off. Virat Kohli, ever reliable under the high ball, completed a comfortable catch to hand India their second wicket. The dismissal put Australia under pressure and showcased Rana’s growing confidence in international cricket.
Earlier in the day, India’s batting effort was a model of collective determination rather than individual dominance. Rohit Sharma led from the front with a composed 73 off 97 balls, anchoring the innings with typical elegance. His partnership with Shreyas Iyer, who contributed a fluent 61 off 77, stabilised the innings after a cautious start. Together, they weathered Australia’s early burst and set the stage for a competitive total.
In the middle order, Axar Patel played a handy knock of 44, ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking even as wickets fell at regular intervals. Rana’s late cameo provided crucial momentum towards the end, his confident strokeplay highlighting an all-round ability that could serve India well in future assignments. (With inputs from Agencies)
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