Australia, led by Captain Pat Cummins, secured a commanding 10-wicket victory over India in the day-night Test in Adelaide, leveling the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 1-1. Cummins delivered a stellar performance with a five-wicket haul, cementing his place as one of the finest skippers in Test cricket.
Australia’s Clinical Chase
Chasing a modest target of 19 runs, Australian openers Nathan McSweeney and Usman Khawaja wasted no time. They wrapped up the game in just 3.2 overs, thrilling the sell-out crowd at the Adelaide Oval. McSweeney remained unbeaten on 10, while Khawaja finished with 9 not out.
India’s Second-Innings Collapse
India began the third day at 128/5, hoping to extend their lead. However, Cummins and Mitchell Starc dismantled the batting lineup, bowling India out for 175. Nitish Kumar Reddy top-scored again with a 47-ball 42, mirroring his first-innings effort. However, Rishabh Pant (28) fell early to Starc, while the tailenders—Ravichandran Ashwin (7), Harshit Rana (0), and Mohammed Siraj (7)—offered minimal resistance.
Cummins showcased his brilliance with figures of 5/57, supported by Scott Boland (3/51) and Starc (2/60).
First-Innings Domination
Australia had laid a strong foundation in the first innings. Mitchell Starc’s fiery 6/48 skittled India for 180. In response, Australia posted a formidable 337, led by Travis Head’s masterful 140.
India’s Struggles Continue
This defeat marked Rohit Sharma’s fourth consecutive loss as India’s Test captain, tying him with Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Datta Gaekwad for this unfortunate record. India had previously lost 0-3 to New Zealand at home before traveling to Australia. Rohit missed the first Test in Perth, which India lost under Jasprit Bumrah’s captaincy, due to the birth of his child.
Cummins’ Remarkable Feat
Cummins achieved his eighth five-wicket haul as a Test captain, further solidifying his legacy. Only legends Imran Khan (12) and Richie Benaud (9) have more five-wicket hauls as skippers in Test cricket.
With this emphatic victory, Australia has not only leveled the series but also sent a strong message ahead of the remaining matches.