Pune, Feb 23: Turning pitch, a big no-ball and then a batsman running off the ground due to a stomach upset resulting in '2 wickets' off one ball. It all happened in the 1st session of the series-opening Test between India and Australia here today (February 23).
Match scorecard; Series schedule, squads; Photos
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy's opening episode began at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium on Thursday with Australia captain Steve Smith winning the toss and opting to bat first. (Day 1 report)
On the first day, the focus was all on the 22-yard pitch, which was described as a "Day 5" surface by spin legend Shane Warne.
Gee whiz... Warner was bowled off this massive no ball #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/VEms2OZRoL
— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) February 23, 2017
Turn and bounce was on view as Ravichandran Ashwin troubled the Australian openers David Warner and Matt Renshaw. But the left-handers survived to raise an 82-run partnership before paceman Umesh Yadav sent back Warner (38).
Warner should have been back in the pavilion for 20 in the 15th over but for a big no-ball from offspinner Jayant Yadav.
Ummm... So it appears Renshaw has left the field retired - not out after the wicket of Warner. Shaun Marsh walks out. Confusion! #INDvAUS
— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) February 23, 2017
The left-hander was bowled around his legs by Jayant but it was an illegal delivery as the bowler had overstepped, by a margin of a foot. And the same ball sped away to the boundary, adding insult to injury.
It was Umesh's introduction that gave India their first breakthrough. It took him just 2 balls to dismiss Warner, bowled off an inside edge.
Confirmation Matt Renshaw has retired ill due to stomach upset. It's his first visit to India #INDvAUS
— Andrew Ramsey (@ARamseyCricket) February 23, 2017
But dramatic scenes where witnessed when Warner's exit resulted in his partner Renshaw's departure too!
Renshaw had to retire ill on 36 due to a stomach upset as he ran off the field much to the surprise of his captain and incoming batsman, at number three - Steve Smith.
Hahahahahahahahahahahaha.. I had no idea what I was watching! https://t.co/9huPGzK6Oa
— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) February 23, 2017
Australia, after a good start, had two new batsmen at the crease. Smith and Shaun Marsh joined in and negotiated the remaining overs to take the team to 84/1 in 33 overs.
The first session of the 4-match series was won by Australia, but not before some testing times.
Brilliant first session from the Aussie boys.
— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) February 23, 2017
OneIndia News