India find itself in a precarious position against Australia at the close of Day 2 of the Second Test in Adelaide. Australian bowlers dominated the pink-ball encounter after Travis Head’s brilliant eighth Test century helped the hosts establish a commanding lead.
Australia began the day at 86/1, overcoming early blows from Jasprit Bumrah. Travis Head was the star performer, smashing a scintillating 140 off 141 balls, studded with 17 fours and four sixes. He capitalized on the second new ball, punishing the Indian bowlers to extend Australia’s advantage. Despite late breakthroughs by Mohammed Siraj and Bumrah, Australia posted a formidable 337. Siraj (4-98) and Bumrah (4-61) shared eight wickets, keeping India in the game.
However, India’s batting crumbled under pressure from Australia’s relentless pacers. Mitchell Starc’s fiery spells earned him figures of 6-48, while Pat Cummins (2-41) and Scott Boland (2-54) provided crucial support. The visitors were bundled out for 180 in their first innings, conceding a 157-run deficit. Nitish Reddy’s late resistance with a gritty 42 and contributions from KL Rahul and Shubman Gill were the only highlights of an otherwise disappointing performance.
India’s second innings began disastrously. KL Rahul fell early to Cummins, and Starc’s vicious in-swinger uprooted Gill’s stumps. Scott Boland dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli, leaving India reeling. Captain Rohit Sharma attempted to steady the ship but succumbed to Cummins’ brilliance.
At 128/5 by stumps, India trails by 29 runs with Rishabh Pant (24*) and Nitish Reddy (11*) fighting to salvage their innings.
Earlier in the day, Head’s century proved pivotal in Australia’s dominance. His partnerships with Marnus Labuschagne (64) and Alex Carey (15) frustrated the Indian bowlers. Labuschagne’s 21st Test half-century anchored the innings, while Head’s onslaught punished India’s errors.
Australia’s commanding position stems from their ability to exploit advantageous conditions, especially with the pink ball under lights. India’s hopes now rest on their lower order and an inspired bowling performance to prevent Australia from securing a massive victory. Day 3 promises intense action as India fights to stay alive in the contest.