The second day of the second Test match between India and Australia at the Adelaide Oval concluded with Australia in a commanding position. By stumps, India had reached 128/5 in their second innings, still trailing by 29 runs.
Australia’s Day 2 Performance
At the start of Day 2, Australia resumed their innings at 86/1, with Usman Khawaja dismissed for 13 on Day 1. Nathan McSweeney (38) and Marnus Labuschagne (20) resumed the charge.
- McSweeney and Labuschagne’s Contributions:
McSweeney was caught behind by Rishabh Pant off Jasprit Bumrah in the 37th over, managing 39 runs off 109 balls. Labuschagne added 64 runs off 126 deliveries before being dismissed by Nitish Reddy. - Steve Smith’s Struggles:
Smith had another disappointing outing, scoring just 2 runs before being sent back by Bumrah. - Mitchell Marsh Controversy:
Mitchell Marsh was controversially given out despite appearing not out. He contributed 9 runs. - Travis Head’s Stormy Century:
Travis Head stole the show with a brilliant 140 off 141 balls, showcasing aggressive stroke play. His knock was the backbone of Australia’s total. Contributions from Pat Cummins (12) and Mitchell Starc (18) added valuable runs down the order.
Australia posted 322 in their first innings, with Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj picking four wickets each. Nitish Reddy and Ashwin claimed one wicket apiece.
That’s Stumps on Day 2#TeamIndia trail by 29 runs with Rishabh Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy in the middle
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/upjirQCmiV#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/ydzKw0TvkN
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 7, 2024
India’s Struggles in the Second Innings
India’s batting lineup faltered under pressure during their second innings:
- Top Order Collapse:
KL Rahul fell early, scoring just 7 runs. Yashasvi Jaiswal (24 off 31) showed some promise but couldn’t convert his start, falling to Alex Carey’s sharp catch. - Middle Order Underwhelms:
Virat Kohli managed only 11 runs, while Shubman Gill, despite a positive start, was dismissed for 28 off 30 balls by Mitchell Starc. Captain Rohit Sharma, batting at No. 6, was dismissed cheaply for 6. - Pant and Reddy Hold the Fort:
By stumps, Rishabh Pant remained unbeaten on 28, with Nitish Reddy providing support at 15 not out.
Key Takeaways
Australia’s strong first-innings performance, highlighted by Head’s century, has put India on the back foot. The visitors need a remarkable turnaround to stay in contention as Day 3 approaches. With the pitch showing signs of wear, India’s path to a win will be a tough climb.
