HT ANALYSIS

After a 19-Test unbeaten streak, India went into the series as favourites but was given a reality check.

LOSING TOSS

Indian pitches are normally best suited to bat on the third day. So dry was the pitch that Kohli would have realised the importance of the toss. Unfortunately for him, it went Smith’s way. KOHLI’S FORM Rarely would you find a Test where Kohli has scored 0 and 13. It couldn’t have come at a worse time, against one of the toughest opponents, India were to face in their long home season.

SLOPPY FIELDING

A decade earlier, India had great close-in catchers but were sloppy in fielding. The situation has reversed in recent years. Dropping Smiththrice isn’t great advertisement for the No.1 Test team.

STARC’S HALFCENTURY

Smith’s century may have provided the final impetus but this win wouldn’t have been possible without Mitchell Starc’s breezy 63-ball 61 in the first innings when Australia were at 196/7.

O’KEEFE’S SUPER HAUL

India have been hurt by unknown spinners before too. Steve O’Keefe is the latest member to sign up for that club. The left-arm spinner was more accurate than Ravindra Jadeja.