🏏Australia vs India, 2nd Test: Adelaide, 06 - 10 Dec 2024: Day 3🏏 - Page 42

Day 2: Stumps - India trail by 29 runs

Stumps, day two: Excellent day for Australia. Marnus Labuschagne started from where he left yesterday and fought hard to get back into form as he scored a gritty fifty. The bowling was tight from Bumrah and Siraj in the opening hour and the former picked up a couple of wickets. Travis Head received an incredible reception from the Adelaide crowd when he walked out to bat and the left-hander didn't disappoint the fans. He got off to a slightly scratch but once he got his eye in, the runs came at a quick pace. His entertaining knock of 140 resulted in the hosts taking a healthy 157-run lead. Post that, the Aussies were relentless with the pink ball under lights.

Rohit on balls at off stump & outside from right arm pace (since Dec 2023)

23 inngs

13 dismissals

Avg 14.76

Balls/Dis 25.8

SR 57.14

Among batters to have faced at least 200+ such balls in the same period only Kusal Mendis gets dismissed more frequently than Rohit.

STAT: In the session under lights on the first day, India's seamers got the ball to swing and seam the ball more than what Australia managed today. Only 4.6% of balls from India were projected to hit the stumps which fetched them figures of 1/71 while Australia directed 11.6% balls on stumps with returns of 5/119.

Here's today's hero, Travis Head talking to Fox Cricket after the day's play: Nice to get a few runs. Batting has been going nicely for the last few weeks and it was good to get some runs. I took my chances, they bowled well, it was a tough wicket and have put the guys in a good position. I could if we did the right things, both sides came in thinking they could dominate, not saying we are dominating just yet but we are in a great position. With the quality of quicks they have, got to take chances, with the field up I was going to take my chances. Played really well in some moments. [on the 100 celebration] A newborn boy a couple of weeks ago, would have copped a bit of stick from the missus had I not done that for Harrison. [on the fracas with Siraj after getting out] I said well bowled but he thought otherwise, slightly disappointed with what transpired but it what it is. If that's how they got to represent themselves so be it.

Day 2 Recap: Australia in Command, But Hope Remains

After two days of intense cricket in Adelaide, Australia holds the upper hand. Their first-innings total of 332, powered by a stunning 140 from Travis Head, has given them a solid lead of 152 runs.

India’s response has been shaky, with the top order struggling to find rhythm. By stumps, India was 128 for 5, still trailing by 24 runs. All eyes are now on Rishabh Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy to pull off something special and keep India in the game.

Pant’s fearless stroke play combined with Reddy’s calm and steady approach could be the key. We’ve seen them do it before in the first Test, where their partnership was crucial. If they can channel that same energy and grit, India might just find a way to fight back.

However, it won’t be easy. Mitchell Starc has been in sensational form, taking 6-48 in the first innings. The Australian bowling attack is firing on all cylinders, making the task ahead a daunting one for India’s middle and lower order.

A moment worth noting from Day 2 was Mohammed Siraj’s animated send-off to Travis Head after his dismissal. While emotions are natural in a high-stakes match, such moments can be tempered—especially when the batsman has played an innings as brilliant as Head’s.

The Road Ahead:

Australia has the edge, but cricket is a game of surprises. If Pant and Reddy can hold their ground and build a partnership, they might just give India a fighting chance. Day 3 promises to be critical, and as fans, we’ll be hoping for a comeback that reignites this contest.

What’s your take? Can India bounce back, or is this Test slipping away? Share your thoughts below!

Rohit Sharma wicket by Cummins - what a beauty. Will the match last till lunch time tomorrow ?

https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricket-videos/aus-vs-ind-pat-cummins-cleans-up-rohit-sharma-with-a-jaffa-watch-1463952

Originally posted by: mishkil88

Rohit Sharma wicket by Cummins - what a beauty. Will the match last till lunch time tomorrow ?

https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricket-videos/aus-vs-ind-pat-cummins-cleans-up-rohit-sharma-with-a-jaffa-watch-1463952

I am hoping that Pant and Nitish Reddy pulls a miracle tomorrow.

What a day it is!! Australia's 9 wickets and India's 5 wickets, in total 14 wickets fall on day 2??

Originally posted by: vijay

I am hoping that Pant and Nitish Reddy pulls a miracle tomorrow.

tailenders?!!) then the match will be interesting. Otherwise, it will be Aussies game, and it won't extend till 4th day.

Unfortunately, Rohit Sharma is unable to come back to form! In fact, it is batters' failure.