Former Australia captain Tim Paine praised Marnus Labuschagne and Nathan McSweeney for their resilience on the opening day of the second Test against India in Adelaide. Paine emphasized their crucial efforts in the face of a swinging pink ball, which was moving more under the lights.

Labuschagne, coming off a prolonged lean spell, and McSweeney, a newcomer, provided a vital 57-run partnership during the final session of the first day. Paine highlighted their performance as key to Australia’s eventual 10-wicket victory over India, acknowledging the challenging conditions against Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.

Paine stated, “I thought the last session of the first day was Test cricket at its absolute best,” speaking on ‘SEN’. He also noted that the Australian team had often been harshly treated in the face of these tough conditions but praised the character shown by Labuschagne and McSweeney.