India leads the Border-Gavaskar Trophy: can Australia strike back in Adelaide?

In a dramatic turnaround, Australia defeated India by 10 wickets in the second Test held at the Adelaide Oval, leveling the five-match series 1-1. The match took place in December 2024, after Australia suffered a disheartening 295-run defeat in the first Test at Perth. In the second Test, Australia displayed a dominant performance, with Mitchell Starc taking six wickets for 48 runs and Pat Cummins achieving five for 57, demonstrating exceptional bowling and putting enormous pressure on India. Travis Head's impressive innings of 140 runs propelled Australia to a first-innings total of 337, giving them a 157-run lead over India, who ended their first innings at 180. As the match progressed, Australia successfully mopped up India in the second innings, allowing them to chase down the meager target of just 19 runs without losing a wicket, showcasing their return to form. The victory was a significant morale booster for Australia, who have traditionally excelled in pink-ball cricket at Adelaide, having never lost a day-night Test at this venue. The emphatic win also raised questions about India's batting performance and included discussions about their fast bowlers needing to find better lines and lengths to counter Australia's aggressive batting style. With the momentum shifted back in their favor, Australia was eager to carry this performance into the next Test in Brisbane, aiming to take the series lead.