India bundled out for 150 as Australia’s bowlers dominate opening day

New Delhi: India were dismissed for 150 on the first day of the five-Test series opener against Australia on Friday. Debutants Nitish Reddy (41) and Rishabh Pant (37) displayed resilience, but the visitors struggled to counter the fierce Australian bowling attack.

Opting to bat first on a bouncy track, skipper Jasprit Bumrah’s decision backfired as the Indian top order crumbled. Pant, known for his aggressive style, entertained briefly with a no-look six off Pat Cummins, adding 48 runs for the seventh wicket with Reddy to steer India past the 100-run mark.

Australia’s pace duo of Josh Hazlewood (4/29) and Mitchell Starc (2/14) exploited the conditions expertly. Starc dismissed openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (0) and KL Rahul (26), while Hazlewood ran through the middle and lower order, removing Virat Kohli (5), Devdutt Padikkal (0), Harshit Rana (7), and Bumrah (8).

Seven Indian batters failed to reach double digits, with the team losing four wickets before reaching 50. The collapse set the tone for a challenging start to the series for the visitors. Australia’s innings will begin on Day 2.