IN PICS: Kuldeep shines as Smith slams century

Sport360 staff 16:14 25/03/2017

Indian left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav shone on debut as Australia were bowled out for 300 on day one of the fourth Test against India at the HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala on Saturday.

Electing to bat first after winning the toss, the Australians were lucky to not lose the wicket of David Warner from the first delivery of the match as Karun Nair put down a tough chance in the slips.

India, though, would soon have the first wicket as Umesh Yadav bowled Matt Renshaw in just the second over of the innings.

Australia captain Steve Smith joined Warner in the middle and duo showed just why they are rated as the two best batsmen in the Australia team. The duo added 134 runs for the second wicket as Warner brought up his first half-century of the tour.

The visitors looked to be heading towards a big total as they went into lunch at 131-1, scoring their runs at a brisk pace.

But come the second session, Kuldeep was given a long spell by stand-in India captain Ajinkya Rahane and the young bowler ran through the Australian middle-order after Warner had become his first Test wicket.

Smith kept one end occupied amidst all the chaos and notched up his 20th Test century to continue his incredible run with the bat in the longest format of the game.

Australian wicket-keeper Matthew Wade scored 57, adding some crucial runs with the tail before Australia were bowled out for 300.

Kuldeep ended the innings with bowling figures of 4-68 while Umesh picked up two wickets for the hosts.

The Indian openers came out to bat for one over and KL Rahul batted out Josh Hazlewood’s over without much trouble.

BRIEF SCORES

Australia 300 all out [Smith 111, Wade 57, Warner 56, Kuldeep 4-68] lead India 0-0 by 300 runs.

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