Australia extended their dominance over India on Day 2 of the ongoing Pink Ball Test at the Adelaide Oval, thanks to a sensational 140 from Travis Head and a solid 64 from Marnus Labuschagne. By the close of play on Saturday, Australia had posted 337 all out, establishing a significant 157-run lead over India, who had been dismissed for just 180 in their first innings.
Travis Head’s Stunning Knock
Travis Head, who was fortunate to be dropped twice during his innings, made India pay dearly for the missed chances. Playing in front of his home crowd, Head struck a nearly run-a-ball 140, a knock that included 17 boundaries and 4 sixes off 141 balls. His aggressive batting was the highlight of the Australian innings, with Head taking full advantage of the reprieves he received.
The Indian bowlers, particularly Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, struggled to break through Head’s resolve, but Siraj eventually dismissed him, bringing an end to Head’s free-flowing knock. Despite the early breakthroughs, the Australian lower order, buoyed by Head’s aggressive performance, added valuable runs to push the total beyond India’s reach.
Marnus Labuschagne Returns to Form
Marnus Labuschagne also played a key role in Australia’s strong total, scoring 64 runs off 126 balls. Labuschagne looked steady and composed as he returned to form, offering solid support to Head. His innings was a crucial contribution to Australia’s first-innings lead.
Bumrah and Siraj Lead India’s Fightback
For India, it was the peerless Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj who were the standout performers with the ball. Bumrah claimed 4 wickets for 61 runs, while Siraj took 4 wickets for 98 runs. Their efforts were vital in halting Australia’s progress after Head’s dismissal. Bumrah provided a crucial breakthrough when he dismissed Australian captain Pat Cummins off the last ball of the second session.
Siraj followed up with two key wickets post-dinner, getting rid of Mitchell Starc off the first ball after the break. He later dismissed Scott Boland, which brought an end to Australia’s innings. The Indian bowlers took the last five Australian wickets for just 55 runs, showcasing their resilience in the final stages of the innings.
India’s Struggles in First Innings
Earlier, India had been dismissed for a modest 180 in 44.1 overs, with only a few contributions of note. Nitish Reddy top-scored with 42 runs, followed by KL Rahul’s 37 and Shubman Gill’s 31. Australia’s Mitchell Starc was the chief destroyer, picking up 6 wickets for 48 runs, as he ran through the Indian top order with precision.
Scores:
India: 180 all out in 44.1 overs (Nitish Reddy 42, KL Rahul 37, Shubman Gill 31; Mitchell Starc 6/48)
Australia: 337 all out in 87.3 overs (Travis Head 140, Marnus Labuschagne 64; Jasprit Bumrah 4/61, Mohammed Siraj 4/98)
As Australia walks away with a 157-run lead at the end of Day 2, they look well-positioned to take control of the Test. India will need a strong second innings performance with the bat to stay in the contest. The game is poised for an exciting conclusion as the pink ball continues to challenge both teams.
