India decimate Aussies in Nagpur as first Test ends inside three days

The surface definitely had loads to offer to the bowlers on day 3 of the curtain-raiser of what is going to be a very crucial series but the way India mopped up the Aussie innings was certainly a factor of shock for the cricketing world. Not only was the Indian bowling responsible for the Australian downfall with the bat but the Indian tail put on a resilient show, thanks to a blistering knock from Mohammed Shami, as India glided their way forth.

Starting the day with the early departure of Jadeja, India needed some staunch resilience from the willow of Axar Patel as the southpaw had already settled in by then. However, the Australians were taken apart by an unlikely moniker of Mohammed Shami who had previously showcased his hard-hitting flair against England and didn’t flinch in front of Todd Murphy who was the pick of the Australian bowling lot.

The duo piled up a significant 52 runs stand for the ninth wicket that saw Shami scoring 37 of them while Axar Patel calmly played the anchor at the other end. However, the fall of Shami forced the Indian all-rounder to deal his hand and thanks to some late striking, India piled up 400 on the cards, extending their lead to a staggering 223 runs.

Even before Australia could realise what had struck them, India swarmed all over them as Ravichandran Ashwin barged his way through the openers, removing Usman Khawaja cheaply.

Marnus Labuschagne and David Warner continued fighting it out for the Australians but the resistance was shortlived as Ravindra Jadeja struck Marnus. Ashwin continued with his roll, claiming his 31st fifer in the antiquity of Test cricket that included 3 left-handers in the Aussie top order. It was a matter of moments before India would rage their way through a clueless Australian batting line-up as they were skittled out for a mortifying 91 while Steve Smith watched on helplessly from the other end.

Ashwin was the pick of the lot with figures of 5 for 37 while Jadeja and Shami claimed a brace each, leaving the Aussies reeling. India romped to a stellar victory, registering a win by an innings and 132 runs. Ravindra Jadeja was handed the Player of the Match award for his match-winning 70 and a 7 wicket-haul across the span of the 2 innings.