Travis Head smashed a scintillating 140 to propel Australia to a commanding position against India in the second day-night Test at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday.
India faltered at 128-5 at stumps on day two, trailing by 29 runs, as Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Scott Boland tore through the top order under the lights. Rishabh Pant remained unbeaten on 28 alongside Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was on 15.
Australia, resuming at 86-1, posted 337 just after tea, securing a first-innings lead of 157. Head’s aggressive innings included 17 fours and four sixes, while Marnus Labuschagne contributed a gritty 64.
“We are in a dominant position after two strong days,” said Head, reflecting on his contribution.
India’s reply began poorly, with KL Rahul gloving a short ball from Cummins to Alex Carey for a duck. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who managed 24 after his first-innings golden duck, edged Boland to Carey. Boland also removed Virat Kohli for 11 in similar fashion.
Shubman Gill’s middle stump was uprooted by Starc after a determined 28, while Rohit Sharma fell to Cummins for six.
Earlier, India’s Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant combined to dismiss Nathan McSweeney (39) and Steve Smith (2) cheaply, but Labuschagne’s 21st Test fifty and Head’s flamboyant knock set the tone.
Head, dropped on 76 by Mohammed Siraj, accelerated after reaching his half-century and recorded his eighth Test century. Siraj eventually bowled him, igniting a heated exchange between the bowler and the Australian.
India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel praised Head’s performance, admitting his team faced significant challenges.
