The Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia has been an intense contest, with both teams showing their mettle on the field. The fourth and final Test of the series was played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where the visitors made a solid start in the first hour on Day 1. However, the Indian team managed to make a comeback after Mohammed Shami cleaned up Marnus Labuschagne before the lunch break.
Steve Smith, who was leading the team in the absence of Pat Cummins, won the toss and decided to bat first on what was arguably the best batting track of the series. His side made a steady start to the match on the back of a solid opening partnership between Travis Head and Usman Khawaja. However, India clawed their way back into the game by dismissing Head after the drinks break.
The Indian spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, bowled a few disciplined overs, but Rohit Sharma decided to bring back his ace fast bowler, Mohammed Shami, into the attack. This decision turned out to be a masterstroke as the veteran pacer cleaned up Marnus Labuschagne.
The dismissal of Marnus Labuschagne was a result of the movement off the deck, which caught him inside the crease, and the ball castled his stumps after deflecting from the inside edge of his bat. Shami’s impressive performance on the field earned him a spot in the playing XI at the expense of Mohammed Siraj, who was dropped for the third Test in Indore.
It was not just the brilliance of Shami’s bowling that made him stand out in the Ahmedabad Test. It was also his ability to bounce back from a tough situation. Shami had been dropped for the third Test in Indore after an underwhelming performance in the second Test in Melbourne. However, he did not let that affect his confidence, and he returned to the field with renewed energy.
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In the post-lunch session, Australia managed to thwart the Indian bowlers thanks to Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja’s combative partnership, following a couple of quick wickets in the morning session. The tourists will be hoping for another solid stand between the pair, as the slower bowlers are not getting much assistance, unlike the previous venues.
Mohammed Shami’s brilliance on the field in the Ahmedabad Test played a crucial role in India’s comeback against Australia. His impressive performance earned him a spot in the playing XI and proved to be a masterstroke for the Indian team. With the series level at 1-1, it remains to be seen who will come out on top in the final Test. India will be hoping that Shami can continue his impressive form and help them clinch the series.
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𝐓.𝐈.𝐌.𝐁.𝐄.𝐑 🔥@MdShami11 sends back Labuschagne to scalp the second wicket for #TeamIndia 👌
Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/8DPghkx0DE#INDvAUS | @mastercardindia pic.twitter.com/LT3ao2kFBk
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 9, 2023