source : ICC
The second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Adelaide Oval concluded dramatically on Day 3, with Australia securing a decisive 10-wicket victory over India to level the five-match series at 1-1. This match, played under the challenging pink-ball conditions, saw Australia dominate both with the bat and ball, capitalizing on India’s faltering performance in the twilight phase.
India’s innings on Day 3 began with hope but quickly unraveled under Australia’s relentless pace attack. Openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal offered minimal resistance, falling cheaply and exposing the vulnerabilities in India’s top order. Shubman Gill was the next to fall, dismissed by Mitchell Starc’s classic inswinger that rattled the stumps, followed by Virat Kohli, who succumbed to Scott Boland’s precise delivery in the fourth-stump channel. Rohit Sharma, displaying signs of unease, was ultimately dismissed by Pat Cummins with a beautifully executed delivery that kissed the top of off-stump. Despite Nitish Kumar Reddy’s commendable back-to-back knocks of 42 runs in both innings, the lack of substantial partnerships left India struggling, and they were eventually bowled out for 175. This collapse set Australia a mere 19 runs to chase, which they achieved effortlessly in just over three overs.
Australia’s triumph was driven by exceptional performances from their key players. Skipper Pat Cummins led from the front, delivering an outstanding five-wicket haul in the second innings and finishing the match with seven wickets overall. Travis Head was another standout, amassing a sensational 140 runs off 141 balls in the first innings, which laid the foundation for Australia’s commanding 157-run lead. Mitchell Starc complemented Cummins perfectly, claiming a total of eight wickets across both innings and dismantling the Indian batting lineup with precision and aggression. Together, Cummins and Head ensured that Australia remained firmly in control throughout the match, showcasing their dominance and skill.
Chasing just 19 runs, Australia’s openers Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney made quick work of the target, sealing the victory in an astonishing 3.2 overs without losing a wicket. Their composed and aggressive batting ensured that Australia secured the win comfortably, highlighting the stark contrast between the two teams’ performances on the day.
Several factors contributed to India’s downfall in this Test. The Indian batting lineup struggled to build meaningful partnerships, with the top order failing to provide a solid foundation. Jasprit Bumrah was India’s standout bowler, claiming 12 wickets in the series so far, but he lacked adequate support from his fellow bowlers. Mohammed Siraj managed to pick up four wickets but conceded too many runs, while the young Harshit Rana faced tough opposition from Australia’s disciplined bowlers. Additionally, captain Rohit Sharma’s energy and tactical decisions came under scrutiny, with calls for him to return to the top order to better stabilize the innings. Ravi Shastri emphasized the need for an energetic leader to inspire the team and maintain belief in their ability to bounce back.
Despite the setback, India remains resilient with a history of bouncing back from tough defeats. The team has shown remarkable strength across all formats, reaching the finals of the World Test Championship, ODI World Cup, and winning the T20 World Cup. Moving forward to the next Test in Brisbane, India needs to make strategic adjustments, such as finding a reliable third seamer to support Bumrah and restructuring the batting order to provide a stronger start. Sunil Gavaskar highlighted the importance of players like Harshit Rana stepping up, as their performances could be pivotal in regaining momentum. With three Tests remaining, India has ample opportunity to regroup and reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
While Australia’s 10-wicket victory levels the series, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is far from decided. Both teams have demonstrated their ability to adapt and counterpunch, promising more intense and thrilling cricket in the upcoming matches. India must harness their resilience and make the necessary adjustments to overcome this hurdle. As Ravi Shastri aptly put it, “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.” With determination and strategic changes, India has every chance to bounce back and secure the series victory.
