Adelaide [Australia]: Australia continued their dominant play on Day 2 of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, as India ended the day at 128/5, trailing by 29 runs. With Australia’s aggressive batting led by Travis Head’s century (140), followed by a formidable bowling attack, India now faces an uphill task to save the game.
Australia’s Strong Innings:
Australia, after starting the day at 86/1, was bowled out for 337, with Mitchell Starc (18) and Scott Boland (duck) dismissed by Mohammed Siraj in the final moments of the innings. Siraj finished with impressive figures of 4/98. Jasprit Bumrah also bowled well, taking 4/61, but the Indian bowlers struggled to make inroads after a solid partnership between Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne earlier in the day.
India’s Response:
India, chasing 157 runs to avoid a heavy deficit, got off to a rough start. KL Rahul was dismissed cheaply for 7 by Pat Cummins, while Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had been a hero in the previous match, was caught behind for 24. The pressure mounted when Virat Kohli was dismissed for 11, and Shubman Gill was bowled by Mitchell Starc for 28, leaving India at 86/4.
Captain Rohit Sharma had a short stay, scoring just 6 before being bowled out by Cummins. Despite the setbacks, Rishabh Pant was showing some resilience, scoring 28 off 25 balls, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, unbeaten on 15, is partnering with him as they attempt to close the 29-run gap.
Key Bowling Performances:
Australia’s seamers have been instrumental, with Pat Cummins, Scott Boland, and Mitchell Starc taking crucial wickets. Cummins and Boland each have 2 wickets, while Starc removed Shubman Gill. Bumrah was India’s best performer with the ball, taking 3 wickets, while Nitish Kumar Reddy, who contributed with the bat, claimed one wicket.
Travis Head’s Masterclass:
Head was the standout performer with the bat, reaching 140 runs off 141 balls, including 17 fours and 4 sixes. His century, which came in the second session, was a crucial knock that put India under pressure. Head’s partnerships with Labuschagne and Mitchell Marsh, as well as his aggressive counterattacking shots, kept Australia on top throughout the day.
Looking Ahead:
As Day 3 looms, India will need to recover quickly with Rishabh Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy still at the crease. The target remains challenging, and with Australia’s bowlers in top form, India’s chances of survival are diminishing with each passing over.