In a dramatic turn of events, Team India suffered a crushing 10-wicket defeat against Australia in the second Test of the five-match series. This match, held in Adelaide, saw the Kangaroos dominate and tie the series 1-1.
On the third day of the match, India was bowled out for just 175 runs in their second innings, setting Australia a modest target of 19 runs. The hosts easily reached 22 runs without losing a wicket, securing a commanding victory.
Series level. One-all.
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 8, 2024
An emphatic victory for Australia in Adelaide #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/oR8OqesU5O
A Tale of Two Innings
India started their first innings on the back foot, managing only 180 runs. While Nitish Reddy led the scoring with 42 runs, others like KL Rahul (37) and Shubman Gill (31) chipped in. However, the middle and lower order struggled, with key players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma scoring just 7 and 3 runs, respectively. Australia’s Mitchell Starc was lethal, claiming six wickets.
In reply, Australia scored a solid 337 runs in their first innings, giving them a 157-run lead. Travis Head was the standout performer with 140 runs, while Marnus Labuschagne added 64. For India, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj took four wickets each.
Leading from the front #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/eXKjmxsw5A
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 8, 2024
India’s second innings fared slightly better, but their total of 175 runs left them with a slim lead of 18 runs. Nitish Reddy once again top-scored with 42 runs, while Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill added 28 runs each. Australia’s bowlers, led by Pat Cummins with five wickets, ensured India could not recover.
Australia’s second innings was a mere formality, as openers Usman Khawaja (12) and Nathan McSweeney (10) comfortably guided their team to victory.
Series Tied, Brisbane Awaits
This defeat marked India’s first Test loss in Australia in nearly four years. Notably, India’s last victory in Adelaide came in December 2018. The series, now level at 1-1, moves to Brisbane for the third Test starting December 14.
India are all out for 175.
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 8, 2024
Australia need 19 runs to win the match.
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/upjirQCmiV#TeamIndia | #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/2GLPwYURiF
Results of Recent Tests in Australia
- December 2024: Australia won by 10 wickets (Adelaide)
- November 2024: India won by 295 runs (Perth)
- January 2021: India won by 3 wickets (Brisbane)
- January 2021: Match drawn (Sydney)
- December 2020: India won by 8 wickets (Melbourne)
- December 2020: Australia won by 8 wickets (Adelaide)
India will need to regroup quickly to regain their momentum and stay competitive in the series. Fans are now eagerly looking forward to the action in Brisbane.