Despite the nature of Australia’s big defeat to India in the first Test of the series, it was a dream debut for Moama’s Todd Murphy.
Murphy claimed a slice of history, with the debutant clinching a seven-wicket haul in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar series.
His final figures of 7-124 were the sixth-best on debut in the history of Test cricket, and included in that was the prized scalp of Indian great Virat Kohli.
It was a dark finish to the match with Australia bundled out on day three to be defeated by an innings and 132 runs, but the Aussies can be confident in Murphy’s prospects going forward after the young spinner’s big haul.
“It’s been a pretty special couple of days and I suppose to top the day off with a five-for is more than I could ever hope for,” Murphy said after day two.
“It’s going to be something that I’ll look back on the rest of my life and be really proud of.
“This time last year I wasn’t even in the state side.”
The record books will show Murphy’s first wicket as KL Rahul, caught and bowled.
But what no-one could have predicted was the onslaught of victims that followed, including Kohli, who nicked a ball down the leg side to a waiting Alex Carey.
“That’s a dream come true,” Murphy said.
“He’s a guy I have watched for so long. He’s a hero for all these guys.
“The roar when he came out to bat took me back a little bit and it was quite special to share the field with him.
“When he walked out to bat and the crowd went off, that’s amazing stuff. I think that’s going to live with me forever.”
Murphy also paid tribute to his family, which made a last-minute scramble to Nagpur after hearing news of his inclusion in the Test side.
It remains to be seen what the make-up of the team will be heading into a decisive second Test, but it seems Australia has pinpointed its next spin sensation.
The second Test is heading to Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, from February 17-21.