In a nail-biting clash at the Adelaide Oval, Australia emerged victorious over India in the second Test match, chasing down a modest target of 19 runs with ease. The three-day contest saw ebbs and flows that highlighted individual brilliance, strategic blunders, and gripping drama, enthralling a total attendance of over 100,000 fans across the match.
Day 1: India’s Collapse and Starc’s Brilliance
The tone for the match was set early when Mitchell Starc bowled an exceptional first over, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal for a golden duck. India struggled to build partnerships, with KL Rahul and Shubman Gill contributing brief cameos of 37 and 31, respectively. The middle order crumbled under relentless Australian pressure, with Pat Cummins and Scott Boland chipping in crucial wickets.
Nitish Kumar Reddy offered some resistance with a fighting 42 off 54 balls, including three sixes, while Ravichandran Ashwin’s quick 22 added a spark. However, Starc’s fiery spell—6/48 in 14.1 overs—ensured that India folded for a modest 180 in just 44.1 overs.
Australia started their innings cautiously but were rocked by early blows from Jasprit Bumrah. At stumps, they were 86/1, with Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne beginning to consolidate.
Day 2: Travis Head’s Masterclass
Australia’s innings revolved around Travis Head, who produced one of the finest counter-attacking knocks of the series. Coming in at a precarious 91/2, Head dominated the Indian bowlers with a scintillating 140 off 141 balls, featuring 17 boundaries and four towering sixes. His century—off just 111 balls—came at a critical juncture when Australia needed a boost.
While Labuschagne contributed a steady 64, Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj kept India in the game with four wickets apiece. Despite their efforts, Australia managed to post 337, gaining a vital 157-run lead. Siraj’s dismissal of Mitchell Starc late in the innings capped off a gritty display by India’s bowlers.
Day 3: India’s Spirited Fightback Falls Short
India’s second innings mirrored their first—promising starts but no substantial partnerships. Yashasvi Jaiswal (24), Shubman Gill (28), and Rishabh Pant (28) played quick-fire innings but fell to disciplined Australian bowling. Nitish Kumar Reddy once again emerged as India’s standout performer, scoring an elegant 42 with six boundaries and a six.
Pat Cummins led Australia’s attack with a five-wicket haul, dismissing key Indian batters at crucial moments. Scott Boland and Starc provided ample support, ensuring India were bowled out for 175, leaving Australia just 19 runs to chase.
A Calm Finish for Australia
Australia’s openers, Nathan McSweeney (10*) and Usman Khawaja (9*), wrapped up the chase in 3.2 overs without losing a wicket, sealing a comprehensive 10-wicket win. It was a clinical finish to a match that showcased Australia’s all-round dominance.
Key Takeaways
- Mitchell Starc’s Renaissance: The veteran pacer proved why he remains a potent force in Test cricket, with match figures of 8/108.
- Travis Head’s Game-Changing Knock: Head’s aggressive century swung the match firmly in Australia’s favor and demoralized the Indian bowlers.
- India’s Batting Woes: Despite flashes of brilliance, India’s inability to form partnerships and counter Australia’s pace attack proved costly.
- Bumrah and Siraj Shine: While India’s batting faltered, their fast-bowling duo kept the team in contention with disciplined spells.
Looking Ahead
With the series now tied at 1-1, India will need to address their batting frailties and find ways to counter Starc’s lethal form. The next Test promises to be a crucial battle as both teams fight to gain an upper hand in this fiercely contested series.
For now, the Australians will savor the glory of a hard-fought victory that showcased their resilience and dominance on home soil.
