Ajit Agarkar made his ODI debut for India against Australia at Kochi on 1 April 1998. Which Australian batsman did Agarkar dismiss in that debut match?

Introduction / Context:
Debut wickets are memorable milestones for pace bowlers. Ajit Agarkar’s first ODI wicket came in a high-profile series against Australia and is a popular cricket trivia point.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Event: ODI debut at Kochi, 1 April 1998.
• Task: Identify the Australian batsman dismissed by Agarkar.

Concept / Approach:
We cross-reference the official scorecard of that match, noting Agarkar’s bowling and the sequence of dismissals among the Australian top order.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Contemporary reports and archived scorecards record Agarkar’s first ODI wicket as Adam Gilchrist, validating the answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Ponting / Martyn: Distinguished Australian batters of the era but not Agarkar’s debut wicket in this match.
• Warne: A bowler; not the wicket in question.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing later wickets taken by Agarkar against Australia with his first-ever ODI wicket. Always anchor to the exact debut match.

Final Answer:
Gilchrist