In an emphatic display of dominance, Australia triumphed over India by 10 wickets in the second Test of the five-match series, played under lights at the iconic Adelaide Oval. This victory on Sunday not only leveled the series 1-1 but also preserved Australia’s flawless 8-0 record in pink-ball Test matches at this venue.
Australia’s Bowling Prowess Turns the Tide
The match began with high stakes as both teams sought momentum after India’s first Test win in Perth. However, Australia bounced back decisively, led by skipper Pat Cummins, who delivered a stellar performance with figures of 5-57. The visitors were bundled out for a modest 175 in their second innings, setting Australia a target of just 19 runs to win.
India’s hopes for a miraculous turnaround were dashed early on day three when Mitchell Starc dismissed Rishabh Pant in the first over. Nitish Kumar Reddy fought valiantly with a gritty 42, but his resistance wasn’t enough to save India from defeat.
Cummins expertly deployed the bouncer to decimate India’s lower order, leaving Australia needing only 20 balls to complete the chase. Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney calmly secured the winning runs, marking one of the shortest Tests in the rivalry’s history.
Travis Head Shines with a Game-Changing Innings
Australia’s dominance was further underlined by Travis Head, whose remarkable 140 in the first innings set the tone for the match. His aggressive yet calculated batting earned him the Player of the Match award, showcasing his pivotal role in Australia’s resurgence.
Rohit Sharma Reflects on India’s Missed Opportunities
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, who returned for this Test after missing the opener, acknowledged the team’s shortcomings. “We didn’t play well enough to win the game. Australia capitalized on key moments, and we failed to seize our chances,” he admitted.
India’s batting woes were evident as they collectively faced just 81 overs across both innings. Despite Rohit’s presence in the middle order, his contributions of 3 and 6 highlighted the struggles faced by the visiting team.
Brisbane Awaits the Decisive Third Test
With the series now tied, all eyes turn to the third Test at Brisbane’s Gabba, beginning on December 14. As both teams regroup, the stakes couldn’t be higher in what promises to be another thrilling chapter of this fiercely contested series.
