Adelaide: India is on the back foot in the second Test against Australia at Adelaide Oval, with the hosts showcasing complete dominance on day two of the match. Australia, led by star batter Travis Head, amassed 337 runs in their first innings, securing a vital 152-run lead over India. Head's brilliant knock of 140 off 141 balls, including 17 fours and 4 sixes, anchored Australia's innings.
After India’s initial struggle, their batting woes continued into the second innings. By the end of day two, India had lost 5 key wickets for just 128 runs in 24 overs. Rishabh Pant (28 not out) and Nithish Reddy (15 not out) remain at the crease, with India still trailing by 29 runs. Australian pace trio Pat Cummins (2/33), Scott Boland (2/39), and Mitchell Stark (1/49) wreaked havoc on India’s top order.
On day one, Australia had started with a score of 86/1, losing two quick wickets early in the day—Marnus Labuschagne (64) and Steve Smith (2). However, Head, in partnership with Labuschagne, provided stability, with the duo adding 65 runs for the fourth wicket. Despite India's efforts, including a breakthrough by Bumrah (4/61), Head's aggressive batting continued, culminating in his century off 111 balls.
In response, India’s top order crumbled once again. After losing KL Rahul (7) early, Yashasvi Jaiswal (24) and Virat Kohli (11) followed suit. Shubman Gill, who made 28, fought back briefly before being dismissed by Stark. With skipper Rohit Sharma (6) also failing to make an impact, India’s hopes rest on Pant and Reddy to deliver a fightback in the third innings.
Summary of scores:
India First Innings: 180 all out
Australia First Innings: 337 all out (Head 140, Labuschagne 64, Bumrah 4/61)
India Second Innings: 128/5 (Pant 28*, Reddy 15*, Cummins 2/33, Boland 2/39)
