Australia bounced back in emphatic style to win the second Test by ten wickets. The hosts wasted little time in closing out the Indian innings on Day 3, completing the day-night Test match in under seven sessions to level the five-match series.
The hopes of a billion fans rested on Rishabh Pant, anticipating another match-saving masterclass like the ones he has delivered before on Australian soil. However, those hopes were short-lived as Mitchell Starc struck in the very first over. A delivery pitched around middle and off swung away just enough to catch the edge of Pant’s bat, sending the ball flying to Steve Smith at second slip.
From that point, it turned into a struggle for survival as India fought to stay at the crease. Nitish Kumar Reddy, however, stood resilient. His gritty knock of 42 not only entertained the crowd but also played a crucial role in clearing the deficit and avoiding an innings defeat. Thanks to his efforts, India managed to set a modest target of 19. The seam-bowling all-rounder emerged as India’s top scorer in both innings, while none of the other batters managed to cross the 30-run mark.
Nathan McSweeney and Usman Khawaja strolled out to chase a modest target, facing no pressure as they wrapped up the win within four overs.
For Australia, it was another dominant display with the ball. While Starc starred in the first innings, this time it was skipper Pat Cummins who led the charge. Mixing his lengths expertly, Cummins claimed five wickets, while Scott Boland picked up three, and Starc added two to his tally. Australia just needed three bowlers to run through the Indian batting line-up.
India’s batting performance was nothing short of dismal, managing a combined total of just over 80 overs across both innings. This was fewer overs than Australia batted in their first innings alone, highlighting the stark contrast between the two sides in this match. India’s struggle with the bat against the pink ball continues.
Scores of 180 in the first innings and 175 in the second underline a disappointing outing for the Indian batters. None of them managed to find rhythm against Australia’s rejuvenated pace attack.
As the series now shifts to Brisbane, the spotlight will turn to the venue where India recorded their historic triumph during their last tour of Australia. All eyes will be on whether they can recreate that magic to nudge ahead again in the series.