Here’s Geoff’s update from Adelaide: Thanks for being with me this afternoon as we wrap up a Test match that concluded well ahead of the midpoint. Australia finished things swiftly, aided by India’s struggle to cope with the onslaught of short deliveries. It was precisely the Test the home side desired. Not only did they […]
Here’s Geoff’s update from Adelaide:
Thanks for being with me this afternoon as we wrap up a Test match that concluded well ahead of the midpoint. Australia finished things swiftly, aided by India’s struggle to cope with the onslaught of short deliveries.
It was precisely the Test the home side desired. Not only did they secure a convincing series-tying result, but they also saw their batters (McSweeney and Labuschagne) withstand pressure and captain Cummins take wickets to quell any doubts regarding his performance. Australia remains a work in progress, but they can approach Brisbane with optimism.
India now faces the challenge of addressing several issues. Their bowling attack seemed heavily dependent on Bumrah, who appeared less than fully fit, while numerous batters looked shaky in Australian conditions after initially appearing comfortable in Perth. Rohit Sharma’s return was particularly disappointing; coming in at No 6, he struggled in both innings.
It remains uncertain whether the primary narrative from this Test will be the altercation between Head and Siraj that overshadowed yesterday’s play. Both players have shared their views since the incident, but it seems there’s no consensus on what actually occurred. Presumably, the match referee will decide in the forthcoming hours.
You can stay updated on all the news leading to the third Test on these pages, and I will return for the start of play on Saturday morning. Looking forward to seeing you then.
Pat Cummins:
It was an excellent week. We knew we were a long way from the team we aspire to be in Perth. This is the style we want to embody.
[Regarding own form] The rhythm felt quite right this week. Good to take a few wickets.
[Mitchell Starc taking a wicket with the first ball of the Test] Incredible. There’s not much noise in the team. Starc is phenomenal. He does it repeatedly. We are very fortunate to have him in our squad.
[Travis Head] He enjoys batting here. One of those moments that shifted momentum. The game could have turned either way when he came out to bat. He took control.
[Scott Boland] Scotty came in and performed right away. Again, we are grateful to have someone like him. He consistently challenges the top of off stump with every delivery.
Rohit Sharma:
A challenging week for us. We didn’t perform well enough to claim victory. Australia played better. There were moments in the match where we could have seized opportunities, but we didn’t and it cost us the match.
What we accomplished in Perth was remarkable, and we aimed to replicate that here, but every Test presents its unique challenges. We anticipated difficulties with the pink ball. As I mentioned, Australia was superior.
[Brisbane] I’m looking forward to it. There’s little time in between as well. We just want to go out there and focus on what we did well in Perth and also our previous performance here. Some excellent memories exist. We recognize the hurdles of each Test match, so we aim to start strong and perform well.
As anticipated, the player whose innings revitalized this Test earns a medal for his performances.
It was closely contested. Some might imply otherwise but nothing was ever certain.
Nice to score some runs once more… I feel like I’m in good touch.
Pat instills great confidence in me to perceive the game and play it as I see fit. I felt like it was a prime opportunity with the second new ball to gather as many runs as we could. We aimed to put them under pressure. It was warm over the past few days, and I sensed that the new ball would be quite a handful, so it felt rewarding to leave the innings and I believe I managed the critical moments beautifully. I was able to get the innings rolling and last night’s session was fantastic.
Amid Australia’s celebration, further insights from both Travis Head and Mohammed Siraj following yesterday’s altercation.
“After I dismissed him, I celebrated, and then he insulted me,” Siraj stated in comments translated into English by India Today. “You can see from the television coverage. Initially, it was my celebration; I didn’t direct anything at him.
“In the press conference, he made false claims. He lied. There’s no way he said ‘well bowled’. We hold everyone in high regard. I always respect everyone since cricket is a gentleman’s game. Travis Head’s conduct was inappropriate. I was not pleased.”
At the beginning of play, there was a chance India could have turned this Test around, but it took Australia merely 99 minutes to achieve a victory that has significantly altered the dynamics of this series.
Runs for Labuschagne, wickets to Cummins, worries over Bumrah’s fitness, and disappointing batting displays from the visitors leave Australia in a powerful position as they head to Brisbane next Saturday.
3.2 over: Australia 22-0 (McSweeney 10, Khawaja 12) Chasing 19. Khawaja pulls Siraj for four, sealing the victory.
3rd over: Australia 18-0 (McSweeney 10, Khawaja 8) Chasing 19. Just one over from Bumrah with Nitish replacing him from the River End. McSweeney is overjoyed by the switch, waiting on a full swinging delivery and elegantly square driving for his first boundary. That was a beautifully confident stroke. Then he shifts back and cuts a loose delivery to the same area for another boundary. A perfect day for Australia.
2nd over: Australia 10-0 (McSweeney 2, Khawaja 8) Chasing 19. Boos from the Adelaide Oval hint at Mohammed Siraj taking the new ball, but he starts off too full to Khawaja, allowing the Aussie opener to score with a pushed couple down the pitch. Khawaja then doubles the score with a graceful clip of a half-volley to the square-leg fence. Another pushed two sends the run chase into single digits.
1st over: Australia 2-0 (McSweeney 2, Khawaja 0) Chasing 19. Great line and length from Bumrah right from the beginning. McSweeney prods at a couple but avoids any poor strokes before nudging a couple into the covers to alleviate the nerves. Australia is underway.
Bumrah is on the new ball, McSweeney faces the first delivery…
India gathers in a huddle before heading out for the concluding moments of this Test match. McSweeney and Khawaja stand ready for Australia, aiming to finish off this brief run chase swiftly.
India’s two lackluster batting performances culminate in them setting Australia a mere 19 runs for victory. They struggled for just 44.1 overs in the first innings complemented by another disappointing 36.5 in the second.
Moreover, they have witnessed Pat Cummins’ return to form (5/57) in this second innings, serving as a reminder that when Australia’s fast bowlers target the tail, they are formidable and efficient.
Siraj steps up, sending a powerful shot lofted over extra cover for a couple, then he flexes back and thumps a pull through midwicket. He tries again but skies a massive cue end into the Adelaide atmosphere, and guess who’s under it? None other than Travis Head.
36th over: India 168-9 (Bumrah 2, Siraj 1) Siraj should have been dismissed first ball! Cummins maintains his attack from around the wicket and the ball catches the edge, flying to Carey, but the keeper fails to hold on with a spectacular dive and a subsequent juggle. It could have been a catch for Smith at first slip. Bumrah is also fortunate to survive a similar delivery that strikes his helmet and spills to Smith at second slip.
Between deliveries, Australia’s nearest fielder – Travis Head – shares a brief moment with his opponent. It appeared friendly enough.
As the players take refreshments, here’s a light-hearted list.
A six for Nitish ends in his dismissal! Cummins sticks to his short ball strategy and Nitish hooks the first delivery aggressively over deep backward square. Then he sidesteps to leg, attempting a ramp shot over the slips, only for Australia to have a man stationed back for that shot, and McSweeney makes the uncomplicated catch. Once again this series, Nitish has displayed his capability as a dependable number seven.
Boos from the crowd indicate that Mohammed Siraj is next in line.
35th over: India 160-8 (Nitish 36, Bumrah 2) Boland takes over from Starc as India trails by two runs. Predictably, Nitish opts to go aggressive and sends a length delivery soaring over cow corner for a one-bounce four. Australia will need to bat again!
Meanwhile, the Head versus Siraj altercation shows no sign of resolution. The Australian commented on yesterday’s intense exchange during a press conference after play, and now Siraj has responded to Star Sports in India, accusing his opponent of deception. Cricket at its finest.
34th over: India 155-8 (Nitish 31, Bumrah 2) Cummins persists with his around-the-wicket strategy focused on attacking India’s lower order, but Bumrah responds well to the first delivery, scoring a couple. He then swings and misses the next two. Will we make it to lunch?
“In my view, cricket is most enjoyable with the volume down,” email Mark, pacing toward his fridge for some afternoon snacks.
Another first ball single for Nitish sets Cummins up for another chance against Rana. He doesn’t need long to find the bouncer from around the wicket that India’s No 9 struggles to handle, edging it up to Khawaja in the gully. India’s hesitant resistance continues to fade away.
33rd over: India 152-7 (Nitish 30, Rana 0) While Nitish allowed Rana to face Cummins, he shields his tailender from Starc, opting against a single from the first ball of the over. He gets the scoreboard ticking again on delivery number four, hoping Rana can survive a few challenges. He does just enough, nearly falling victim to the last ball of the over, which connects with his helmet after a bouncer.
32nd over: India 151-7 (Nitish 29, Rana 0) Nitish takes a single on the first ball, affording Cummins five attempts against Rana. Most are short deliveries aimed at the body, with the last – from around the wicket – being fended in the air over short leg. Travis Head tries hard to turn, run, and dive but the ball barely avoids him as he tumbles to the ground.
31st over: India 150-7 (Nitish 28, Rana 0) Nitish takes a single before allowing Rana to face a couple of deliveries, one of which is a trademark Starc inswinging yorker that Rana manages to dig out. Matthew Hayden on TV suggests Australia is “marching toward a significant victory”. I would argue they are walking towards an anticlimactic conclusion before lunch on day three.
30th over: India 149-7 (Nitish 27, Rana 0) Cummins bowled three very similar balls in a row to Ashwin, who could have easily let them pass. On each occasion, he attempted weak pulls, eventually managing to make contact with a glove. India still trails by eight runs.
Cummins also uses the short-and-straight tactic against Ashwin, and after a series of loose deliveries that raise doubts about the strategy, Ashwin gloves a timid attempted pull to Carey behind the stumps. This has been a lackluster half-hour from India at the start of the day. Australia hasn’t performed at its best, but two wickets have already been claimed.
29th over: India 145-6 (Nitish 27, Ashwin 5) Starc attempts to bowl straighter at Ashwin, but he stands firm, defending well and then executing a pull for a single. Nitish is less convincing, attempting a poke at a delivery that deflects off the edge and looks destined for Smith’s hands, only to bounce moments short of second slip and roll to the boundary.
28th over: India 140-6 (Nitish 23, Ashwin 4) Another over passes with little noteworthy action. Nitish scores a couple. The deficit is now 17 runs.
27th over: India 138-6 (Nitish 21, Ashwin 4) Ashwin scores three with a tidy push from the crease down the pitch, the only highlight in a Starc over that follows the trend of India’s second innings: minimal activity until a wicket-taking delivery.
26th over: India 134-6 (Nitish 20, Ashwin 1) That was the ideal start for Australia, and with Pant’s departure, any hope India had of making this match competitive fades. Smith made that catch appear straightforward as he positioned himself perfectly to secure the fast-moving ball.
Cummins begins from the River End, and Nitish gets the scoring underway with a glance down to fine leg. There’s an extra bounce for the Australian captain, but both batters manage it well and rotate the strike.
Starc starts with a looseness outside off that Pant ignores, but the Indian keeper cannot let a second delivery pass unpunished, stepping down the pitch for a big hoick at ball two. He misses, but a sound indicates bat nearing the ball, and Australia seeks a catch behind. Reluctantly, Cummins signals for DRS, but it quickly shows there was space between bat and ball.
No worries; before this over is done, Starc bowls a perfect delivery, Pant leans forward, and edges it comfortably into Smith’s grasp at second slip.
25th over: India 128-6 (Nitish 15)
Celebrations abound as Australia graces an Adelaide Oval basking in sunlight.
They welcome Rishabh Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy to the crease. What can they deliver over the next few hours? A game-changing flurry of runs, or a rapid collapse leading to days of golf?
England has achieved victory in Wellington by a massive 323 runs, marking their first series triumph in New Zealand since 2008. Let the Ashes begin.
Here are some prompts for discussion.
Australia sits firmly at the top of the ICC Test rankings, but among their leading seven players, only one would likely compete for a spot in a World XI currently (Travis Head). Is there any precedent for this? What does it indicate about Australia’s position in their cycle? Is batting losing importance as the pace of the game accelerates?
What does it mean when New Zealand can overwhelm India in India, yet England can overwhelm New Zealand in New Zealand?
Seven nations are represented in the top ten ranked Test batters on the ICC rankings, and the same seven also appear in the top 12 bowlers. I would like to believe this bodes well for the sport, but I worry it reflects an era of mediocrity.
How amazing is Second Death of My Face by WH Lung?
In other news from Australia v India, Australia racked up a massive 371/8 batting first in the second ODI in Brisbane. Georgia Voll and Ellyse Perry both struck rapid centuries.
Keep track of India’s chase here:
In other Test cricket news, Tom Blundell’s century has delayed England’s eventual series-clinching victory in Wellington. You can follow that live here:
If any Indian fans were hoping for weather intervention today, I’m afraid the forecast is predicting bright sunshine in Adelaide, with temperatures moderated by a cool southerly breeze.
Don’t merely rely on my perspective about what transpired yesterday. Here’s how Geoff Lemon perceived the events.
In practical terms, regional biases hold little relevance in contemporary Australia, representing a performative act for politicians to half-heartedly engage in regarding budget allocations or the State of Origin. Despite cricket’s domestic structure still being shaped by these borders, the consensus beyond South Australia recognizes Adelaide Oval as the premier ground in the country, and the Adelaide Test as the most enjoyable of the summer. The festival ambiance is unparalleled, and the city reliably shows up. Even amidst complaints about facing the struggling West Indies for the last two summers consecutively, Adelaide drew over 50,000 attendees in the first two days each time. For the same team, Perth struggled to match that number in five days.
Greetings everyone, and welcome to the third, and likely final, day of the second Test in Adelaide. India will continue their second innings at 128-5, still 29 runs short of prompting Australia to bat again.
Australia’s dominant position is largely attributed to the exceptional performance of Travis Head. The local sensation thrilled 50,000 fellow South Australians with a match-defining 140 yesterday, sending the pink ball flying to all corners and lifting his team out of a tight spot and into a position of strength. Head’s importance to this team has never been higher, and he emerges as Australia’s crucial player for the remainder of this series.
With Head scoring rapidly during the initial two sessions, Australia remained unperturbed when they were bowled out shortly after Tea because it allowed them to attack India under the lights. However, the Australian bowlers didn’t deliver their customary ferocious assault, with minimal movement through the air or off the seam, yet they still managed to dismiss half of India’s batting order within 21 overs. Instead of the typical Australian consistency wearing down their rivals, this session witnessed a series of ordinary overs featuring occasional gems – nearly all resulting in wickets.
After appearing a mere shadow of his first innings self, Mitchell Starc rediscovered his trademark inswinging yorker to demolish the settled Shubman Gill. Rohit Sharma also saw his bails light up following a stunning delivery from Cummins, but he appeared uneasy when coming out at number six. Surrounding them, Alex Carey caught three behind the stumps as India gradually crumbled.
However, Rishabh Pant was in his element, improvising his way to 28 off 25 balls, including an extravagant reverse hook over the slips. While he remains at the crease, one can’t predict what total India might achieve. But it will require a miracle to thwart the home team from securing a series-leveling win, and something remarkable to ensure that victory doesn’t occur before Adelaide Oval presents another breathtaking sunset.
I would welcome your messages during this first session and a half. Please reach out to: jonathan.howcroft.casual@theguardian.com.
