AUS vs IND: 2nd Test – Depleted India bury Adelaide ghosts to level series

After India registered their lowest ever Test total in Adelaide, not many gave them a chance to even make a comeback in the series. But then Ajinkya Rahane led the team extremely well in the absence of Virat Kohli and the bowlers also stepped up to take India to a memorable victory in the second Test in Melbourne.

It all started with Australia winning the toss on what seemed to be a flat MCG pitch. But the Indian bowlers, especially Jasprit Bumrah and Ravi Ashwin, bowled superbly to bundle out Australia for just 195 runs in their first innings. Mohammed Siraj also bowled well on debut. Then with the bat, Rahane led from the front scoring a stunning ton as India took a mammoth 131-run lead.

India bury Adelaide ghosts

Australia needed to bat really well in their second innings and with conditions easing out, many felt they will put up a fight. But the Indian bowling attack was relentless throughout and they took wickets at regular intervals to restrict Australia to only 200 runs. This, despite losing Umesh Yadav for the most part of their bowling innings.

Having wrapped up the Australian tail on the morning of Day 4, India needed only 70 runs to win the Test. Despite losing Mayank Agarwal and Cheteshwar Pujara early, Rahane and Gill ensured they took the team home comfortably.

Turning Points

Australia’s costly drops: The Australian team is always associated with good fielding. But they fielded indifferently in this Test match. Time Paine and co. dropped as many as eight catches and it eventually cost them. Gill was dropped early in the first innings and he went on to score 45, while Rahane, who was let off twice, smacked 112 to help India take a big first-innings lead. Even in the second innings, Rahane was dropped by Starc off Lyon and it literally summed up Australia’s poor game.

Smith’s lean run continues: Australia’s batting line-up revolves around their ace batsman Steve Smith. And in the absence of their attacking opener David Warner, Smith’s role was even more important. But India went against him with a plan and were successful. In both the innings, Smith was trapped around the leg-stump. Ashwin picked his wicket for a duck in the first innings while Bumrah strangled him around the leg-side to disturb the timber.

Ajinkya Rahane – the leader & batsman India needed

Rahane came in to bat at No.4 for India in the absence of regular skipper Virat Kohli and he batted superbly. India were reduced to 64/3 in the first innings but Rahane soaked in all the pressure and stitched half-century partnerships with Vihari and Pant. And then came the killer blow, the century stand with Ravindra Jadeja which really dented Australia’s confidence.

Personal Milestones

• Ajinkya Rahane has won all his first three Tests as captain, the second Indian skipper to do so after MS Dhoni won his first four Tests while at the helm.
• Mohammed Siraj is the first visiting player to take 5 or more wickets on debut in a Boxing Day Test.

Way forward

The four-match series is now levelled at 1-1 and the third Test will now begin on January 7, 2021. The venue originally was Sydney but now with the COVID-19 outbreak, there are chances of MCG hosting the third Test as well.