India vs Australia 2nd Test live score | Australia Dominate India on Day 2 of the Pink Ball Test

The second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has seen some dramatic twists and turns as Australia has taken firm control of the game against India in Kolkata. After a tough Day 1 for the Indian batting lineup, Australia have continued their dominance on Day 2 of this pink-ball spectacle.

Day 1: India’s Batting Collapse

It is to be said that the Indian team’s decision to bat first under the overcast conditions did not produce the expected outcome. The so-called vaunted Indian batting line-up succumbed to precision pace from Australia. Despite a fighting score of 37 from KL Rahul and a valiant 42 from Nitish Kumar Reddy, India was bowled out for a paltry 180.

The Australian bowlers reveled in the conditions with the pink ball early on, especially with some lateral movement and under the dewy conditions later in the evening. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc duly obliged, leveraging years of accumulated experience and honed skill against the Indian batting line-up. Starc’s in-swinging lethal lengths, Cummins’ accuracy sans any leniency, and the nagging off-line lengths of Hazlewood proved too good for the Indians to handle.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are known to see their team through under tricky conditions cheaply to leave India in tatters. The resistance which has been a hallmark of India in recent years saw the lower order crumbling this time around as Australia took firm control of the game by Day 1 stumps.

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Day 2: Travis Head Steals the Show

Australia began Day 2 with their overnight score of 86/1. The Indian bowlers struck early, with Jasprit Bumrah dismissing Marnus Labuschagne cheaply. However, Australia’s seasoned middle-order, led by Travis Head, showcased remarkable resilience. Head played with confidence, countering Indian bowlers with a mix of aggression and patience.

His 140 was a masterclass in adapting to conditions. Head’s ability to rotate the strike and punish loose deliveries ensured that the Indian bowlers never got on top. The left-hander also formed valuable partnerships, particularly with Alex Carey (wk) and later on with Pat Cummins to help Australia establish a solid lead.

Bumrah’s Heroics, but Indian Bowling Lacks Consistency

The best performer for India was undoubtedly Jasprit Bumrah, who came up with real fire with the ball. He picked up three very important wickets to keep India in the game. The delivery to get Steven Smith was a beauty; it swung late to crash into the stumps.

Nitish Kumar Reddy and Ravichandran Ashwin chipped in with a wicket each, but their impact was limited. While Reddy’s breakthrough came at a crucial time by removing Marnus Labuschagne, Ravichandran Ashwin’s judicious spin trapped Mitchell Marsh. However, the Indian attack struggled to maintain consistent pressure, allowing the Australian batsmen to dictate terms.

By lunch on Day 2, Australia had reached 316/7, already securing a lead of 136 runs. The Australian team seems poised to stretch their advantage further.

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Australia’s Pink-Ball Supremacy

The story of this match is one in the long list of Australia’s dominance in pink-ball cricket. Unbeaten so far in day-night Tests, the Aussies showed once again how seamlessly they adapt to the specific demands of these matches, wherein bowlers get extra swing and seam, and batsmen like adjusting with all the changing dynamics that lights do.

Travis Head’s century showed Australia’s mental strength and acumen for the situation. His capability to counter pace and spin with ease speaks to why Australia has been one of the dominant sides in Test cricket.

India’s Uphill Battle

The road ahead does look bleak for India. The hosts will have to put up a spirited fightback with a huge first-innings deficit staring at them. Much will depend on how quickly they can dismiss the remaining Australian batsmen on Day 2.

Indian batting, too, needs to come good in the second innings. The onus will be on Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Cheteshwar Pujara, experienced hands who need to shoulder the responsibility, whereas young guns Shubman Gill and Nitish Kumar Reddy have much to do in the lineup.

It has happened several times with the Indian team in the past, but this would be one great comeback in Australia, nonetheless. Speaking of the scenario, against Australia’s stronghold, however, that does take quite an effort.

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Key Moments So Far

KL’s Grit: Rahul’s 37 was among a few silver linings India had on Day One first innings which brought a bit of stability to it.

Bumrah’s Magic: The three-wicket haul by Bumrah was a reminder of his skill and importance to the team. Brilliance of Head: Travis Head’s century has been the defining performance of the match so far. What Next?

With the pink ball still dictating terms, the next session will indeed be crucial. If India’s bowlers can strike early on Day 2, they might just restrict Australia’s lead and keep the game within reach. If, however, Head and Carey resume their partnership, Australia could bat India out of the game.

The pink-ball Test format often throws up such dramatic turnarounds, and India will be hoping for one to get back into this game. As things stand, though, Australia holds all the aces.

With Australia so far in the driver’s seat, India’s mettle will be thoroughly tested, fighting battling to keep the Border-Gavaskar Trophy alive. Can the hosts haul themselves back into the contest, or will Australia continue their dominance? The answers will hold over play tomorrow!

FAQs

Q: What are India’s first-inning runs?

A: Out of 180 runs, India has been bowled out in their first innings. 

Q: Who made a century for Australia on Day 2?

A: It was none other than Travis Head who brought an end of 114 and anchored the innings for Australia.

Q: How many wickets were taken by Jasprit Bumrah?

A: Jasprit Bumrah so far just nabbed three victims in Australia’s innings.

Q: Match status, as of now?

A: Scores: At 316-7, Australia is a total of 136 runs ahead before lunch on Day 2.