Adelaide: Australia’s dominant position continues in the ongoing pink-ball Test at Adelaide, as they lead India by 152 runs with a score of 332/8 at the dinner break on Day 2 on Saturday.
Despite some fight from India’s bowlers, including a sensational spell from Jasprit Bumrah, Travis Head’s blazing knock has put the hosts in control.
Bumrah delivered a breakthrough just before dinner, bowling Pat Cummins for 12 with a full delivery that swung in, hitting the top of the stumps.
Australia’s skipper was undone by the swing, leaving India with a much-needed breakthrough. Earlier, Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj had combined to claim important wickets, with Siraj dismissing Alex Carey for 15 and the key scalp of Travis Head’s partner, Marnus Labuschagne, for 64.
Head, however, has continued to prove a thorn in India’s side, having played an aggressive knock full of boundaries and some audacious strokes. He has been the standout performer, smashing the ball to all parts of the ground. His century came off just 111 balls, making it the fastest in Day-Night Test history for Australia, surpassing his own previous best.
Mitchell Starc’s quickfire 18 and Cummins’ brief resistance were valuable lower-order contributions, as Australia look to extend their lead further.
The Indian bowlers, despite the early breakthroughs, have struggled to keep a lid on the Australian batting. Siraj and Bumrah were impressive, but Bumrah appeared to be carrying a niggle, with his pace slightly down after a spell where he appeared to be struggling with his adductor muscle, but continued its fiery spell.
The day’s play also saw some drama with fielding and controversial moments, including a dropped catch by Siraj off Head, who has capitalised on every opportunity to add to his tally of runs.
The pitch remains a balanced one, offering something for both batsmen and bowlers, and India will need to regroup quickly to avoid a further surge in Australia’s lead.
With Australia’s tail still batting, India’s hopes of making a comeback rest heavily on the shoulders of their bowlers in the final session.
UNI