Twitter Reacts As Australia Take Control Of The Proceedings Against Team India Courtesy Marnus Labuschagne's Ton On Day 01 At The Gabba

Australia cashed-in on an inexperienced Team India bowling attack and a couple of missed opportunities by the tourists to assert themselves into a position of strength and finish the opening day of the Gabba Test at 5/274.

Batting first, Australia once again got off to a horrendous start as Mohammed Siraj removed David Warner for the second time in the series in the very first over of the innings.

The right-hander found the ideal length right away as he pitched it up, luring David Warner forward before the ball straightened off the seam to take his outside edge, only for Rohit Sharma to take a brilliant diving catch in front of 1st slip.

Marcus Harris, who had earned a call-up for the series-decider due to shoulder injury to Will Pucovski, got off to a promising start as he nailed Mohammed Siraj for a disdainful square-drive in the very first over.

However, he went into a shell post that stroke and was eventually dismissed for a 23-ball 5 on what was an innocuous delivery by Shardul Thakur on his pads, chipping it straight to Washington Sundar at square-leg. Steve Smith came out with positive intent as he laid into Shardul Thakur courtesy authoritative strokes, none better than the cover-drive.

Smith and Labuschagne ensured that Australia did not lose any more wickets in the morning session even as Washington Sundar troubled the duo with the leg-side ploy. Sundar eventually had the last laugh as Smith finally succumbed to the leg-side tactics by India as he flicked the debutant off-spinner straight to Rohit Sharma at short midwicket.

One wicket could have brought two for India but for skipper Ajinkya Rahane, who shelled a regulation catch at gully after Navdeep Saini had induced an outside off Marnus Labuschagne’s bat in the very next over.

Things, however, became worse for Team India as Navdeep Saini hobbled off the field due to a groin strain.

Labuschabgne’s drop proved to be a huge moment in the game as the Australian No.3 went on a rampage post that repreive, smoking 71 runs off his next 97 balls, en-route to his fifth Test ton.

Labuschagne and Matthew Wade went on to stitch 113 runs for the fourth wicket in a pretty quick time.

But just as it looked that the duo was running away with the game, debutant T Natarajan clawed India back in the Test as he claimed the duo by inducing mistimed pull strokes off their bat.

However, Tim Paine and Cameron Green- who got a lucky reprieve thanks to a dropped caught & bowled chance by Shardul Thakur- proved to be a thorn in the visitor’s flesh as the duo cashed in on the inexperienced of T Natarajan and Washington Sundar to stitch an unbeaten 61-run-stans as Australia finished the day at 5/274.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Expected Score on Day 1 in Brisbane: 289/7. India's fielding errors have cost them, but Australia's cautious approach for much of the day ensures the hosts aren't too far away. #<!---->A<!---->U<!---->S<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D

— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->5<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

5 wickets on a first day at Gabba with such an inexperienced attack! Despite three dropped catches, I will still clap for the Indian team for fighting so bravely against all odds. #<!---->A<!---->U<!---->S<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->t<!---->e<!---->s<!---->t #<!---->b<!---->r<!---->i<!---->s<!---->b<!---->a<!---->n<!---->e<!---->t<!---->e<!---->s<!---->t #<!---->A<!---->U<!---->S<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D #<!---->A<!---->U<!---->S<!---->v<!---->s<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D #<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->A<!---->U<!---->S

— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->5<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

India hanging in there but dropping 3 catches has helped Australia reach a position from where they can eye 400. Tough day for India #<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->A<!---->U<!---->S

— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->5<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

The two debutants, originally net bowlers, have taken three of the five wickets for India. Natarajan's fairy tale just keeps on getting better #<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->A<!---->U<!---->S

— Sambit Bal (@sambitbal) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->5<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

How good! @<!---->T<!---->N<!---->P<!---->r<!---->e<!---->m<!---->i<!---->e<!---->r<!---->L<!---->e<!---->a<!---->g<!---->u<!---->e has 3 wickets so far at the Gabba

— Scott Styris (@scottbstyris) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->5<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

natarajan must wonder what all the fuss about international cricket is #<!---->A<!---->U<!---->S<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D

— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->5<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

T Natarajan has drawn a false shot with 12% of his deliveries today, the highest figure for any Indian bowler. #<!---->A<!---->U<!---->S<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D

— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->5<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

So happy for you my brothers @<!---->N<!---->a<!---->t<!---->a<!---->r<!---->a<!---->j<!---->a<!---->n<!---->_<!---->9<!---->1 and @<!---->S<!---->u<!---->n<!---->d<!---->a<!---->r<!---->w<!---->a<!---->s<!---->h<!---->i<!---->5 on your debut test match to represent your country! My good wishes are with you, Congrats & Good Luck ? #<!---->A<!---->U<!---->S<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D

— Suresh Raina?? (@ImRaina) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->5<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Marnus Labuschagne in the #<!---->A<!---->U<!---->S<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D Test series so far:

47, 6, 48, 28, 91, 73, 108 (today)

??? p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->Q<!---->K<!---->o<!---->o<!---->F<!---->5<!---->V<!---->S<!---->r<!---->t

— ICC (@ICC) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->5<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

https://twitter.com/benjonescricket/status/1349964310651527170?s=19

Whatever the result. That even with such an inexperienced attack and one bowler down, India didn't make it easy for AUS for at least around 50 overs is impressive.

Gabba isn't an easy place to make your test debut or play your second or third test.

— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->5<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped nine times in Test cricket. Since the start of the 2019 Ashes, only Ben Stokes has been dropped more often in Test cricket. #<!---->A<!---->U<!---->S<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D

— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->5<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Labuschagne should buy a lottery ticket…..

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->5<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Main Indian bowlers in Tests 1-3: (U Yadav, Shami, Bumrah, Ashwin, Jadeja)
– Test career summary
240 mts, 53930 balls, 1004 wkts

In the 4th Test at Brisbane: (M Siraj, Saini, Thakur, Natarajan, Washington)
– Test career summary
4 mts, 703 balls, 11 wkts#<!---->A<!---->U<!---->S<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D #<!---->I<!---->n<!---->d<!---->v<!---->s<!---->A<!---->u<!---->s

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->5<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

What a moment for Washington Sundar! His first Test wicket is the superstar Steve Smith! #<!---->O<!---->h<!---->W<!---->h<!---->a<!---->t<!---->A<!---->F<!---->e<!---->e<!---->l<!---->i<!---->n<!---->g@<!---->T<!---->o<!---->y<!---->o<!---->t<!---->a<!---->_<!---->A<!---->u<!---->s | #<!---->A<!---->U<!---->S<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->Z<!---->W<!---->N<!---->J<!---->s<!---->n<!---->0<!---->Q<!---->N<!---->N

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->5<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Steven Smith this series

vs off-spin: 137 balls | 64 runs | Four dismissals
vs other types: 401 balls | 194 runs | One dismissal#<!---->A<!---->U<!---->S<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D

— Deepu Narayanan (@deeputalks) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->5<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Before that wicket, Steve Smith averaged 91.46 against spin at home – a very impressive first Test wicket for Washington Sundar. #<!---->A<!---->U<!---->S<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D

— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->5<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Shardul is God!!!!
? for a reason!!!

— Gagan Chawla (@toecrushrzzz) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->5<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Siraj taking responsibility as the senior most bowler in the Team ! Shabash ! #<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->s<!---->A<!---->U<!---->S

— Vikram Sathaye (@vikramsathaye) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->5<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

What a Catch From Rohit Sharma ??#<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->s<!---->A<!---->U<!---->Sp<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->P<!---->v<!---->G<!---->K<!---->N<!---->9<!---->K<!---->s<!---->t<!---->L

— ADARSH (@Adarshdvn45) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->5<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Warner has looked completely out of sorts this series. Siraj shows wicket-taking magic in the first over itself. Rohit’s brilliant slip catch suggests how perked up the Indian team is

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->5<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Last time Aus lost at the Gabba (1988), they faced one of the greatest quartets:
Marshall, Ambrose, Patterson and Walsh

This time they will face one of the greenest quartets:
Siraj, Saini, Thakur, Natarajan

— Siddhartha Vaidyanathan (@sidvee) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->4<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

The last time India have had five or more debutants in a series was in England in 1996. S Joshi, P Mhambrey, Prasad, V Rathour, R Dravid & S Ganguly made their India debuts that series.

19 players used by India in the series – the most by them since 1961/62.#<!---->A<!---->U<!---->S<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D h<!---->t<!---->t<!---->p<!---->s<!---->:<!---->/<!---->/<!---->t<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->/<!---->B<!---->I<!---->w<!---->k<!---->H<!---->A<!---->R<!---->g<!---->X<!---->8

— Deepu Narayanan (@deeputalks) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->4<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

https://twitter.com/im_yash2307/status/1349867647563796480?s=19

Experience of Indian players playing in the 4th Test match:

T Natarajan – Debut.
Sundar – Debut.
Thakur – 2nd Test.
Saini – 2nd Test.
Siraj – 3rd Test.
Gill – 3rd Test.
Agarwal – 14th Test.
Pant – 16th Test.
Rohit – 34th Test.
Rahane – 69th Test.
Pujara – 81st Test.

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->4<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1