After all the fuss about the pitch going into the Nagpur pitch, the first Test between India and Australia got underway on February 9, Thursday and it was the Australian skipper Pat Cummins who called it right at the toss, eventually forcing the Indian team to bowl first. The Indian skipper Rohit Sharma claimed that he wanted to bat first as well, saying that the pitch looks dry at the moment.
That being said, it was the Mohammed Shami-Mohammed Siraj duo that rattled the Australian opening slot with Siraj removing Usman Khawaja for just 1 run. To add more, it was a stump-to-stump delivery and the southpaw had no idea whatsoever about the trajectory, as he tried to flick the ball onto the leg side.
With the review favouring India, it was Shami who sent David Warner back to the pavilion, with the Australian veteran returning after contributing as many as Khawaja as well. The star cricketer tried to defend an incoming straight ball, with Shami bowling around the wicket in the shorter length, only to miss it completely.
Australia face an early setback as they lose both openers early on
It was all about the Nagpur surface, with the Australian media complaining of ‘pitch doctoring’ and the Indian media hitting back at the claims. Several former cricketers from both countries engaged in a war of words and the Indian star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin hit back at all saying that it was all a gimmick from the Australian media as always.
“We are going to bat. Looks like a pretty even wicket towards the middle. 2017 was a big series. Can't wait to get this started. We have had good preparation. We feel we are really well placed. Two changes Todd Murphy in. Handscomb in for Travis Head,” Australian skipper Pat Cummins was quoted as saying at the toss.
Here’s how fans have reacted to the wickets of David Warner and Usman Khawaja, both to pacers early on in Day 1 of the first Test at Nagpur:
Miyaaaan and Shami bhai 🔥🔥🔥🔥#INDvAUS
— Charlie Harper (@Charan_neogi) February 9, 2023
India, you beauty 😍🍻❤️
— Yash. (@CricFreakYash) February 9, 2023
SHAMIIIIIIIIIIII#TeamIndia #INDvAUS #ViratKohli
David Warner might bat right handed …. Yeh Righto
— 🤓 (@KnowsNothing21) February 9, 2023
Warner gets out early so that he can make reels in dressing room in remaining time..👍😀 good move #davidwarner #BGT2023 #INDvsAUS @StarSportsIndia @meme_ki_diwani @cricketaakash @bhogleharsha @WasimJaffer14 #askstar
— Akash (@AkashBorude7781) February 9, 2023
Shami and Siraj came out of syllabus. #INDvsAUS
— Shubham 🔴 (@ShoeBummm) February 9, 2023
Siraj igniting the fire. 🔥
— Better call Anish (@bettercallanish) February 9, 2023
Just reminding cry baby Australian Media that both Warner and Khawaja got out to Pacers. 😂#INDvsAUS #INDvAUS #CricketTwitter
— Awarapan 🇮🇳 (@KingSlayer_Rule) February 9, 2023
Shami bhai… itna zyada spin nai karna hai yaar 🥺🥺 #INDvAUS #BGT2023
— Abhi Panchal (@iamabhi1909) February 9, 2023
See you at The Gabba Mate.. #IndvAus 💪🔥
— Jackartoons (@jackartoons) February 9, 2023
Practising playing to spin only to get out to pace 😂🤡#INDvAUS#BGT2023
— N✨ (@Certaintweets) February 9, 2023
Boy feeling of those stumps flying
— Slogger (@KalKaKricketer) February 9, 2023
Shami that was one hell of a delivery
(gig unrelated)#INDvAUS #BGT2023 pic.twitter.com/PTrNCiswgX
Siraj Shami 🔥🔥
— September (@Septemberhere01) February 9, 2023
Horrible start by the Aussie openers. Couldn’t even manage to face spin on day 1 of the first test! #indvaus
— BigNoseStu (@BigNoseStu) February 9, 2023