The first Test of the four-match Border-Gavaskar series, which was contested at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur, saw India defeat Australia by an innings and 132 runs. The Indian team held off the Baggy Greens with the help of skipper Rohit Sharma‘s 120 and stellar all-around performances from Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Axar Patel. Jadeja and Ashwin each took five wickets in the first and second innings, respectively, while Rohit led the way for the hosts with 120 runs in the first inning.
In addition, despite having two opportunities to bat during the game, none of the Australian hitters were able to reach fifty runs on the wicket. Jadeja contributed 70 runs with the bat on the wicket. Not to mention Axar’s assistance, which enabled India to score 400 runs overall and take a big 223-run lead in the first innings. At No. 9, the left-handed batter came out to bat and ran 84 runs in.
Not Ashwin or Jadeja! Rohit Sharma credits star duo for helping India gain control of 1st Test against Australia#INDvAUS #BorderGavaskarTrophy2023 #RohitSharmašµ #RavindraJadeja #Ashwin https://t.co/szkinrG4xo
— Times Now Sports (@timesnowsports) February 12, 2023
However, despite all of these outstanding efforts, Indian captain Rohit Sharma praised the great pace combo of Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj for directing Team India’s play. Shami and Siraj were impressive right away, and they significantly aided India’s edge on the opening day of play. Within the first three overs of the contest, they sent Usman Khawaja and David Warner, Australia’s opening pair, back to the dugout, giving India the upper hand. From that point on, India never looked back, winning the Test in only eight sessions.
When questioned about the turning point in the first Test in Nagpur after it ended, Rohit praised Shami and Siraj’s contributions at the time, stating the first two overs they bowled set the tone.
