Australia delivered a commanding performance to defeat India by 10 wickets in the second Test at Adelaide Oval, levelling the Border-Gavaskar series at 1-1. Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc were the standout bowlers, while Travis Head’s electrifying century proved crucial.
After a crushing 295-run loss in Perth, Australia faced significant pressure but quickly found their rhythm. Starc (6-48) set the tone on day one, dismantling India’s batting order as the visitors were bowled out for 180 in two sessions.
Travis Head turned the momentum with a stunning 140 in Australia’s first innings of 337, cementing the team’s dominance. Pat Cummins (5-57) then took charge on day three, tearing through India’s lower order to secure the win.
“This week we were back to our best,” Cummins said after the match. “It’s the type of cricket we want to play, and it’s really satisfying to level the series.”
India’s hopes of avoiding defeat vanished quickly on Sunday. Rishabh Pant, known for his aggressive batting, was dismissed early, while emerging allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy top-scored with 42 in another impressive display.
India’s captain Rohit Sharma acknowledged Australia’s superiority.
“We were outplayed,” Sharma said. “But we’ve overcome challenges before, and I’m confident the team can bounce back.”
The win extends Australia’s unbeaten record in pink-ball Tests at Adelaide Oval to 8-0 and puts them back on top of the World Test Championship table.
With two days to regroup, both teams will turn their attention to the third Test at the Gabba, where India achieved a historic series win in 2021.