India vs Australia: R Ashwin does Imran Tahir while celebrating Steve Smith’s wicket


India vs Australia: R Ashwin does Imran Tahir while celebrating Steve Smith’s wicket
ravi ashwin
R. Ashwin

Steve Smith was one of the strongest threats for India in the first Test between India and Australia. So, R Ashwin was naturally elated after getting his wicket as he celebrated in the manner of South African bowler Imran Tahir.

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On the 2nd Day of the Adelaide Test, Australia batsman Steve Smith had survived a run-out chance in his first over. A poor throw from short mid-on saved Smith in Ashwin’s over as the batsman survived with a full-length dive at the non-striker’s end after a slight misunderstanding with Marnus Labuschagne.

However, later in the over, Ashwin set up Smith wonderfully as he bowled a couple of traditional off-breaks and then got one to go straight with the natural variation. Smith played for the turn and the ball kissed the outside edge. Ajinkya Rahane who was fielding at first slip took a comfortable catch. The former Australia captain was dismissed for 1, his lowest score in his 50 innings in Test cricket.

R Ashwin celebrated the big wicket of Steve Smith in an uncharacteristic manner by sprinting to the boundary ropes. This gesture of Ashwin was compared to Imran Tahir. The South African spinner runs to the boundary ropes while celebrating, something which he has made his trademark in all formats of the game.

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Ashwin punched the air as India rejoiced Smith’s dismissal. India skipper, Virat Kohli was pumped up as well knowing the enormity of the Australian hitter’s wicket.

India hands lifelines after lifelines to Marnus Labuschagne

Marnus Labuschagne

India however, had a poor show on field in the morning. The team handed lifelines after lifelines to Marnus Labuschagne through dropped catches.

Ace India bowler, Jasprit Bumrah was in peak bowling form as he dismissed the Australian openers. However the pacer, started the series of drop catches as he put down an easy chance deep fine-leg in Mohammed Shami‘s over before the dinner break. A couple of tough chances did not carry to the slip cordon but Prithvi Shaw dropped a sitter at short mid-wicket. This time in Bumrah’s delivery to Labuschagne granting the Australian all-rounder another reprieve.

Captain Kohli was not impressed with Shaw’s drop catch as the young opener came up with a lazy effort wile running back.

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