Australia Dominates India with a Resounding 10-Wicket Win at Adelaide

Australia bounced back emphatically in the second Test at Adelaide, securing a commanding 10-wicket victory over India in the pink-ball Test. This performance followed their crushing 295-run loss in the first Test at Perth, marking a turnaround that showcased resilience and determination. Former Australian captain Tim Paine praised the team’s comeback, saying the “big boys stood up,” and that the team is often “harshly treated.”

The hosts set the tone for their triumph in the first innings, with Pat Cummins leading the charge by claiming a brilliant five-wicket haul. India, who won the toss and elected to bat, struggled against Mitchell Starc’s fiery pace, managing only 180 runs. In response, Australia’s top order, led by Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne, built a solid foundation, paving the way for Travis Head’s explosive 140 off 141 balls. Their efforts helped Australia amass a first-innings lead of 157 runs, putting India on the back foot.

India’s second innings continued the narrative of struggle, as their batting lineup crumbled to 175 all out. Despite resistance from young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who top-scored with a gritty 42 off 47 balls, the rest of the batting order faltered against Cummins’s lethal spell. Cummins, who silenced his critics after a lackluster performance in the first Test, used precise short-pitched deliveries to dismantle India’s middle and lower order.

Local hero Travis Head added to the excitement by taking a sharp catch to dismiss Mohammad Siraj, who faced jeers from the Adelaide crowd after dismissing Head in the first innings. Head, however, did not need to bat again in the match as Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney comfortably chased the modest target of 19 runs in just four overs, sealing the victory before the first session ended.

Cummins Leads from the Front

Pat Cummins’s masterclass with the ball was the highlight of the match. His ability to extract bounce and movement with the pink ball, even under natural light, proved too much for India’s batting lineup. He dismissed key players like Rohit Sharma with a stunning delivery under lights and later removed Ravichandran Ashwin and Harshit Rana with back-to-back short-pitched balls. Nitish Kumar Reddy, despite a spirited knock, eventually fell to Cummins’s tactical bowling, capping off a dominant display by the Australian skipper.

The Hyderabadi all-rounder Reddy showcased resilience with his attacking strokes, including a spectacular six over square leg off a short-pitched delivery. However, his effort was not enough to prevent India from folding meekly. Reddy’s consistent performances in his debut series, including three top-scoring knocks in four innings, highlight his potential as a future mainstay for India.

A Turnaround for Australia

The victory was not only a testament to Australia’s bowling might but also a statement of intent following their dismal loss in Perth. The team’s ability to regroup and deliver a clinical performance underlined their depth and resolve. The likes of Mitchell Starc, Nathan McSweeney, and, most notably, Travis Head were instrumental in Australia’s resurgence. Head’s aggressive innings in the first innings, coupled with his agility in the field, earned him the ‘Player of the Match’ award.

For India, the match exposed vulnerabilities in their batting lineup, particularly against quality pace attacks under challenging conditions. Winning the toss and electing to bat first backfired as they failed to build partnerships. Despite glimpses of brilliance, such as Reddy’s counterattack and Ashwin’s resistance, India’s overall performance left much to be desired.

The Series Poised for an Exciting Finish

With the series now leveled at 1-1, the stage is set for an enthralling contest in the remaining matches. Australia will look to carry forward their momentum, while India must address their batting woes and regroup to stay competitive. The Adelaide Test served as a reminder of Australia’s dominance at home and the unpredictability of cricket, setting the tone for what promises to be a closely fought series.