Day 2 of the pink-ball Test between India and Australia in Adelaide saw high drama as Virat Kohli’s trademark intensity lit up the field. Kohli, always a fiery presence in the field, celebrated passionately after Marnus Labuschagne’s dismissal, even gesturing to quieten the home crowd.
Labuschagne and Head Steady Australia
The morning session started with Australia looking to consolidate their position after resuming at 86/1. Despite Jasprit Bumrah’s early strikes—removing Nathan McSweeney for 39 and Steve Smith for just 2—Labuschagne and Travis Head resisted India’s charge.
Labuschagne played with composure, accumulating runs methodically to notch up his second half-century in 11 innings. In contrast, Head adopted an aggressive approach, finding boundaries with ease and launching a couple of sixes off Ravichandran Ashwin. Their partnership of 65 runs for the fourth wicket put Australia in a strong position, frustrating the Indian bowlers.
Jaiswal’s Screamer Turns the Tide
India broke the crucial partnership in the 55th over when Nitish Kumar Reddy induced an error from Labuschagne. Attempting a cut shot, Labuschagne failed to keep the ball down, and Yashasvi Jaiswal took a spectacular catch at gully to dismiss him for 64. The dismissal reignited India’s energy on the field, with Kohli leading the celebrations by silencing the vocal Australian crowd.
Bumrah’s Impact
Earlier in the session, Bumrah proved why he remains one of India’s premier bowlers in Test cricket. He sent McSweeney back to the pavilion with a sharp delivery that was edged to the keeper. Shortly after, Bumrah struck again, dismissing an out-of-sorts Steve Smith, caught behind for a mere two runs.
Australia’s Advantage at Tea
Despite the setbacks, Australia reached 191/4 at Tea, taking a slender 11-run lead. Head remained unbeaten on 53 off 67 balls, continuing his counter-attacking approach. Meanwhile, all-rounder Mitchell Marsh joined him at the crease, aiming to build on the platform laid by Labuschagne and Head.
The match remains delicately poised, with Australia holding a slight advantage but India looking to strike back in the evening session.
