Australia have roared back into the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, seizing a commanding position in the second Test at the Adelaide Oval. Travis Head's explosive century and a relentless display of fast bowling under the lights have left India reeling and facing the prospect of a crushing defeat.
Travis Head continued his remarkable run of form against India, smashing a brilliant 140 off just 141 balls. His innings, studded with 17 fours and 4 sixes, single-handedly erased India's first-innings lead and propelled Australia to a formidable total of 337. Head's aggressive approach put immense pressure on the Indian bowlers, who struggled to contain his onslaught.
India's bowling attack, which had been instrumental in their victory in the first Test, looked out of sorts in Adelaide. Jasprit Bumrah, despite taking three wickets, lacked support from the other end. Mohammed Siraj, while picking up four wickets, proved expensive, conceding runs at over four an over. Youngster Harshit Rana struggled with his line and length, proving to be an expensive option for India.
India's batting woes continued in the second innings, as they crumbled under the pressure of the pink ball and a hostile Adelaide crowd. KL Rahul fell early, and despite a brief resistance from Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, the middle order collapsed. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both failing to reach double figures in either innings, were unable to provide the stability India desperately needed.
Mitchell Starc, who had tormented India with the pink ball on Day 1, continued his impressive form in the second innings. He generated prodigious swing under the lights, dismissing Shubman Gill with a unplayable delivery that shattered his stumps. Starc's mastery of the pink ball has been a key factor in Australia's dominance in this Test match.
Scoreboard:
- India 1st Innings: 180 all out
- Australia 1st Innings: 337 all out
- India 2nd Innings: 128 for 5 (at stumps, Day 2)
Australia's comprehensive performance on Day 2 has left India staring at a significant defeat in the second Test. Travis Head's century, coupled with a disciplined bowling display, has put the hosts firmly in control. India's batting frailties, particularly the struggles of their senior players, have been exposed, raising concerns about their ability to compete in this series. The Adelaide Test is slipping away from India, and they will need a miraculous turnaround to salvage a result from this precarious position.
