Australia humiliate India in crushing Test victory after visitors set new record low

Sacha Pisani
December 19, 2020 08:28 MYT
Australia ran riot as they claimed a crushing eight-wicket first-Test victory over India, who set an unwanted record in a stunning display at Adelaide Oval.

Joe Burns and Australia chased down the 90-run target with ease on Saturday after India were humiliated for their lowest ever Test score of 36 following a jaw-dropping collapse in the day-night showdown on Saturday.

Virat Kohli's India resumed on 9-1 on day three of the Adelaide Test, but the visitors sensationally capitulated as Australia's merciless pace attack produced a relentless showing with the pink ball.

Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins were the chief destroyers – the star pair finished 5-8 and 4-21 respectively.

Hazlewood – whose figures represented the most economical five-for by an Australia player in 73 years – celebrated his 200th Test wicket, while Cummins brought up his 150th dismissal to become the equal-third quickest Australian to reach the figure in terms of innings bowled (59).

A seed from Hazlewood with his first ball of the day! Follow live: https://t.co/LGCJ7zSdrY #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/uTl8iz7xHz

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 19, 2020
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India remarkably crumbled in just 15.2 overs to record their lowest Test score after Mohammed Shami retired hurt (one), the tourists' total lower than the country's previous record of 42 against England in 1974.

None of India's batsmen reached double figures – Mayank Agarwal the top scorer with nine, while captain Kohli was sent packing by Cummins for just four in a jaw-dropping display. It was the first time ever not a single player in the top six of a Test side reached double digits.

Six and fifty for Joe Burns! What a way to seal victory for Australia! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/9ZLfC3f41r

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 19, 2020
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It was also the joint fifth-lowest Test score – behind New Zealand's all-time record of 26 set in 1955, while it is the joint-lowest team total in the format on Australian soil after South Africa's performance against Australia in 1932.

Australia made light work of the score put forward by India, only dropping two wickets to clinch the first of four Test matches against India.

36 - India have compiled their lowest total in a men's Test innings (36); in addition, it is also the joint-lowest team total in the format on Australian soil (also 36 by South Africa v Australia, February 1932 in Melbourne). Nadir.#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/EDUtgsqOop

— OptaJim (@OptaJim) December 19, 2020
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Joe Burns – under pressure heading into the opener due to his poor form – stepped up with an unbeaten half-century from 63 deliveries to lead the Australians to victory after hitting a six to bring up his fifty and the team's win.

Matthew Wade was run out by Wriddhiman Saha for 33, while Marnus Labuschagne (six) was caught by Agarwal after skying a Ravichandran Ashwin (1-16) delivery, but it mattered little.

#Australia #India #Matthew Wade #Virat Kohli #Josh Hazlewood #Cricket #ICC Test Championship #Joe Burns #Pat Cummins