NEW DELHI: The opening day of the second day-night Test between India and Australia at Adelaide Oval was marked by an unusual double interruption due to floodlight failures on Friday.
During Australia’s first innings in the final session, the stadium was plunged into darkness twice in quick succession. The interruptions occurred in the 18th over of the innings, with the scoreboard reading 38/1. Nitish Kumar Reddy, bowling at the time, was visibly frustrated as the disruptions halted his rhythm.
Scorecard: India vs Australia, 2nd Test
Reddy had delivered two dot balls to opener Nathan McSweeney after the drinks break when the first blackout struck. After a brief delay, play resumed, and Reddy bowled another two dot balls before the lights went out again.
Despite the challenges, the pacer kept his focus and completed the over with two more dot balls, finishing a maiden over. The interruptions were brief, but they added an unusual twist to the day’s proceedings.
Earlier, India skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bat first in the pink-ball Test. However, the decision backfired as India lost in-form opener Yashasvi Jaiswal to Mitchell Starc on the very first ball of the match. KL Rahul and Shubman Gill provided some stability with a 69-run partnership for the second wicket, but their efforts were undone by a middle-order collapse.
India’s innings folded for 180 in the final session. Starc was the wrecker-in-chief for Australia, delivering a stellar performance with figures of 6/48 in 14.1 overs. His sharp swing and pace proved too much for the Indian batters to handle, as the visitors struggled to build momentum throughout their innings.
In response, Australia began cautiously. Despite the disruptions caused by the blackout, opener McSweeney remained resolute at the crease.