Ahead of the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy scheduled at The Gabba in Brisbane, Team India conducted an intensive practice session at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday. The practice involved skipper Rohit Sharma, senior batter Virat Kohli, and young talents Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, focusing on refining their batting techniques. Meanwhile, spin duo Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja worked on honing their bowling skills in preparation for the crucial encounter.
Recap of the Adelaide Test
The Adelaide Test marked a significant setback for India as Australia secured a dominant 10-wicket victory, leveling the series 1-1. Winning the toss, India elected to bat but struggled against the challenges posed by the pink ball under lights and the Australian pace attack led by Mitchell Starc. India’s batting faltered, with only a few noteworthy contributions, including a 69-run partnership between KL Rahul and Shubman Gill and a fighting 42 off 54 balls by debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy. Despite these efforts, India was bowled out for a modest 180 runs, with Pat Cummins and Scott Boland claiming two wickets each alongside Starc’s fiery spells.
Australia’s First Innings Performance
In response, Australia showcased resilience with a solid 67-run second-wicket partnership between Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne. The highlight, however, was Travis Head’s counter-attacking knock of 140 runs off just 141 balls, decorated with 17 boundaries and four sixes. Head’s century helped Australia amass a commanding total of 337 runs, securing a significant 157-run lead. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj were the standout bowlers for India, while Ashwin and Nitish Kumar Reddy chipped in with a wicket each.
India’s Second Innings Collapse
India’s batting woes continued in the second innings. While Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill managed promising starts, the rest of the batting lineup, including KL Rahul and Virat Kohli, failed to capitalize. By the end of Day 2, India was precariously placed at 128/5. On Day 3, Rishabh Pant tried to stage a brief resistance with a quick-fire 28 off 31 balls, including five boundaries, but India ultimately succumbed to the relentless Australian bowling attack, getting bowled out for 175 runs in just 36.5 overs.
Australia’s Decisive Victory
Needing only 19 runs to secure victory, Australian openers Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney chased down the target effortlessly in just 3.2 overs. Australian skipper Pat Cummins shone with the ball, taking an impressive five-wicket haul—his eighth as captain—while Boland and Starc provided crucial support with three and two wickets, respectively.
Looking Ahead
India’s comprehensive defeat in Adelaide has intensified the pressure as they prepare for the third Test at The Gabba. The team’s practice session reflects their determination to regroup and deliver a stronger performance to regain the upper hand in the series.
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