Perth Adelaide: Australia bounced back in the five-test series against India with a resounding 10-wicket victory in Adelaide, leveling the series 1-1. The win bolstered Australia’s position atop the World Test Championship (WTC) standings and reaffirmed their dominance in day-night tests, boasting an unblemished 8-0 record at the venue.
Starc and Cummins Shine with the Ball
Mitchell Starc’s mastery with the pink ball was pivotal, claiming 6-48 in the first innings, dismantling India’s lineup, including key players Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli. Captain Pat Cummins further showcased his brilliance, taking 5-57 in the second innings to slice through India’s lower order.
Travis Head’s Decisive Knock
Travis Head played a game-changing innings with a blistering 140 off nearly as many balls, turning the tide in Australia’s favor. Known for his heroics against India in past tournaments, Head once again delivered under pressure, earning praise from Cummins, who called it a “momentum-shifting knock.”
Support from McSweeney and Labuschagne
Nathan McSweeney impressed in just his second test with a resilient 39 in the first innings, while Marnus Labuschagne showed signs of returning to form with a steady 64. Their contributions bolstered Australia’s commanding performance.
India Falters Under Pressure
India’s batting lineup crumbled, managing only 81 overs across two innings without a single half-century. Captain Rohit Sharma’s struggles continued, adding to his streak of low scores. Jasprit Bumrah led the bowling attack but lacked adequate support, highlighting India’s over-reliance on his skills.
Looking Ahead to Brisbane
With the series tied, both teams head to Brisbane for the third test starting December 14. India may consider reshuffling their batting order, including promoting KL Rahul and moving Rohit back to the top. “We’ll reflect on what worked in Perth and aim to execute better in Brisbane,” Rohit said optimistically.
Australia’s dominant win in Adelaide sets the stage for an intense showdown in the upcoming matches.