Australia made a strong comeback in the five-match Test series against India with a 10-wicket victory over the visitors in the day-night second Test on Sunday.
The hosts sealed victory in the first session on the third day of the competition to maintain their best pink-ball record at the Adelaide Oval, needing just 19 runs to win after bowling India out for 175 in their second innings. After that, the series was tied at 1-1.
Captain Pete Cummins led by example, claiming 5-57 to help Australia bounce back from their comprehensive defeat in the series opener in Perth.
India, resuming on 128-5, saw their hopes of saving the Test dashed when Mitchell Starc dismissed Rishabh Pant for 28 in the first over of the day.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s defiant 42 saved India from an innings defeat but the miracle needed to save the Test fell short, with Cummins using the bouncer to great effect as he ran away with the visitors’ lower order.
Australia needed just 20 balls to secure victory and move to a perfect 8-0 record in day-night Tests at the venue.
Usman Khawaja scored the winning run, spotted by opening partner Nathan McSweeney, in what was the shortest Test between the sides.
“It was a great week. We were a long way from the way we want to be in Perth, but it’s back to how we want to play,” Cummins said.
“I wasn’t too worried about how I bowled in Perth.
Travis Head was adjudged Man of the Match for his 140 in the first innings, which swung the match in Australia’s favour.
India continued for a total of 81 overs in the entire match despite welcoming back captain Rohit Sharma and Shibman Gill at number three.
“A disappointing week for us,” said Rohit, who missed the opening Test to take care of his newborn son in Mumbai.
“We didn’t play well enough to win the game. Australia played better than us.
“There were times when we could have taken advantage of the opportunity but failed which cost us the game,” he added.
During the match, Rohit scored threes and sixes in his new middle-order position to vacate the opening slot for KL Rahul.
The third Test will begin on December 14 in Brisbane.