The Australian cricket team is intensifying preparations for the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, set to commence on Friday at the Adelaide Oval. The much-anticipated pink-ball Test comes after Australia’s crushing 295-run defeat to India in the series opener in Perth.
In Adelaide, Australian players are leaving no stone unturned. Travis Head was seen sharpening his fielding skills, while Steve Smith, who is looking to regain form, worked diligently in the nets. Mitchell Starc, armed with the pink ball, appeared poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming match. The International Cricket Council (ICC) highlighted the team’s rigorous training on social media, stating, “Australia enter game mode as preparations for the pink-ball Test pick up.”
The first Test in Perth showcased a dramatic turnaround for India after their series whitewash against New Zealand at home. India secured a resounding victory despite a poor start, being bowled out for just 150 runs in their first innings. Notable contributions came from Nitish Kumar Reddy (41 off 59 balls) and Rishabh Pant (37 off 78 balls), who added a crucial 48-run partnership for the sixth wicket.
Australia’s bowling attack, led by Josh Hazlewood (4/29), restricted India to a modest total. Pat Cummins, Mitchell Marsh, and Mitchell Starc chipped in with two wickets each. However, Australia fared even worse in their first innings, crumbling to 79/9 before a late stand by Mitchell Starc (26) and Alex Carey (21) pushed their total to 104. Jasprit Bumrah starred for India, claiming 5/30, while debutant Harshit Rana impressed with 3/48.
India’s second innings was a dominant display. Openers KL Rahul (77) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (161) laid the foundation with a 201-run partnership. Virat Kohli’s unbeaten century (100 off 143 balls) and key contributions from Washington Sundar (29) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (38*) helped India declare at 487/6, setting Australia a daunting target of 534 runs.
Australia began their chase poorly, ending Day 3 at 12/3. On Day 4, despite spirited efforts from Travis Head (89) and Mitchell Marsh (47), the team was bowled out for 238. Jasprit Bumrah (3/42) and Mohammed Siraj (3/51) led the bowling attack, supported by Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Harshit Rana.