INDIA recorded their lowest-ever Test cricket score as they were bowled out for just 36 by Australia.
It was the worst Test innings total from ANY team since 1955 when New Zealand were skittled for 26.
The tourists collapsed in spectacular fashion on day three of the day-night Test in Adelaide.
India were in a commanding position at the end of day two after opening up a 53-run lead in the first innings and then finishing on 9-1 at stumps.
But eight further quick-fire wickets and the No11 Mohammed Shami retiring hurt meant Virat Kohli’s men were dismissed for 36 in 21.2 overs.
It breaks the country’s previous lowest tally of 42 against England at Lord’s in 1974.
The score is also the seventh lowest in the history of Test cricket.
No player reached double figures – only the second time this has ever happened – as opener Mayank Agarwal top scored with nine.
Captain Kohli went for four as India fell to 19-6, another record for the earliest loss of their sixth wicket.
Josh Hazlewood took 5-8 in his five overs – the most economical five-for by an Australian in 73 years – with Pat Cummins registering figures of 4-21 and bouncing Shami out of the game.
A day to remember for Australia as they bowled India out for their lowest total in Test history
Have you seen a more clinical bowling performance?#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/FOmSNKfYbm
— ICC (@ICC) December 19, 2020
Australia did not take long to close out the First Test victory to go 1-0 up in the series.
Opener Joe Burns’ unbeaten 51 – including a six to wrap it up – ensured the hosts reached 90-2 to win by eight wickets with the next match starting on Boxing Day.
India skipper Kohli – who is flying home for the birth of his child – said: “It is very hard to put those feelings to words. We had a lead of 60-odd coming and just collapsed.
“When you work hard for two days and put yourself in a strong position and then an hour puts you in a position where it’s literally impossible to win… I think we should have showed a little more intent today.
“To be honest there were some good balls but the ball didn’t do anything drastic. I think it was the mindset, it was very evident. It was a combination of lack of intent and the bowlers hitting their areas.”
Aussie captain and man of the match Tim Paine was asked if he could believe what he witnessed.
He added: “Not really. I said this morning in the media that both these attacks have the ability to take quick wickets.
“I didn’t expect them to come this quick. When our boys execute and there’s anything in the wicket, this is what can happen.”
