Australia Crushes India by 10 Wickets to level Test series 1-1

Australia delivered a commanding performance to defeat India by 10 wickets in the second Test, leveling the five-match series at 1-1. The day-night encounter at Adelaide Oval ended early on day three as the hosts maintained their flawless record under pink-ball conditions at the venue.

Chasing a modest target of 19, Australia needed just 20 balls to secure victory, with Usman Khawaja hitting the winning run alongside Nathan McSweeney. The win came after Australia bowled India out for 175 in their second innings, thanks to a devastating spell by skipper Pat Cummins, who claimed 5-57.

Mitchell Starc set the tone on day three by removing Rishabh Pant (28) in the opening over. Despite a gritty 42 from Nitish Kumar Reddy, India failed to avoid defeat, with Cummins wrapping up the lower order using well-executed bouncers.

Travis Head’s explosive 140 in the first innings earned him the Player of the Match award, giving Australia a significant edge early in the game.

“This is the kind of cricket we aim to play,” said Cummins after the victory. “The rhythm was good, and it was great to contribute with a few wickets after a tough first Test in Perth.”

Indian captain Rohit Sharma, back in the squad after missing the first Test, acknowledged the team’s shortcomings. “We didn’t seize our opportunities, and Australia outplayed us,” he admitted.

Rohit, who batted in the middle order to accommodate KL Rahul as an opener, managed just nine runs across two innings. India’s combined batting effort lasted only 81 overs in the match, highlighting their struggles against Australia’s relentless pace attack.