Adelaide, Dec 7 (UNI) India found themselves on the back foot at stumps on Day 2 of the pink-ball Test, trailing Australia by 29 runs with the scoreboard reading 128/5 in their second innings after being bowled out for 180 earlier.
Australia had earlier strengthened their grip on the match, posting 332/8 at the dinner break before declaring with a commanding lead of 152 runs.
India’s top order faltered under relentless pressure from Scott Boland and Pat Cummins. Rohit Sharma’s dismissal for just six typified the visitors' struggles as Cummins delivered a pinpoint ball to uproot his stumps.
Earlier, Boland accounted for Yashasvi Jaiswal (24) and Virat Kohli (11), striking crucial blows to leave India at a precarious 66/3.
Despite the setbacks, Rishabh Pant brought a glimmer of hope with his counter-attacking unbeaten 28. The wicketkeeper-batsman showcased his trademark audacity, including an emphatic charge against Boland and a falling hook shot to fine leg. He found an able partner in debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy, who showed resilience with 15* and a lucky boundary to close the day.
Australia’s dominance was set up by a stellar batting performance earlier in the day, highlighted by Travis Head’s marvellous 140 off 141 balls. Head, well-supported by Marnus Labuschagne’s gritty 64, punished India’s bowlers despite valiant efforts from Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
Bumrah, battling a niggle, dismissed Pat Cummins before dinner to offer India a much-needed breakthrough.
With five wickets in hand and a significant deficit to erase, India face a daunting task heading into Day 3. Australia's bowlers, buoyed by their strong showing, will look to seal the advantage early, leaving India with a mountain to climb.
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