Australia delivered a dominant performance to secure a record-setting ten-wicket victory over India in Adelaide during the India Tour of Australia 2024-25, solidifying their reputation as a formidable force in pink-ball Test cricket. This victory was not only a statement of intent but also a reminder of their dominance in day-night Tests, where they boast an incredible 12-1 record.
This article delves into the stats, records, and key moments from this iconic clash while exploring what this means for both teams moving forward.
Key Stats That Defined the Match
Australia’s Unmatched Pink-Ball Record
Australia’s impeccable pink-ball Test record at Adelaide Oval continues to shine. With this ten-wicket win, their record now stands at 8-0 at this iconic venue, underscoring their mastery under lights. Their overall day-night Test record is equally intimidating, with 12 wins out of 13 matches.
Shortest Test Between India and Australia
The second Test was wrapped up in just 1031 balls, making it the shortest completed Test between India and Australia. This broke the previous record of 1135 balls set during the Indore Test in 2023.
India’s Batting Collapse
India managed to bat for only 486 balls in total across both innings, marking their fourth-lowest total in Tests where they were bowled out twice. The record low is still the 349 balls faced against England in Manchester in 1952.
Ten-Wicket Defeats
This marked the 19th ten-wicket defeat for India in Test history. Only England has suffered more such losses with 25. In contrast, Australia leads the charts for the most ten-wicket wins, with an impressive 32 victories.
Individual Performances That Stood Out
Pat Cummins: The Wrecker-in-Chief
Since 2018, Pat Cummins has been a relentless force in Test cricket, and his performance in this match was no exception. He secured his 12th five-wicket haul during this period, tying with Nathan Lyon and Taijul Islam for the most five-fors in the last six years.
Nathan Lyon’s Minimal Overs
Remarkably, Nathan Lyon bowled just one over in the entire Test, the fewest he has bowled in his career aside from a match where he didn’t bowl at all (Hobart, 2022). This highlights how Australia’s pacers, led by Cummins, dominated the proceedings.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Lone Fight
Batting at No. 7, Nitish Kumar Reddy showcased grit and resilience, top-scoring for India in both innings. He joins an exclusive list of just four Indian players to achieve this feat in men’s Tests. The other three—Chandu Borde (1961), MS Dhoni (2011), and R Ashwin (2018)—all achieved it against England.
Additionally, Reddy became only the second Indian and the eighth player overall to top-score in three of his first four innings, a feat previously accomplished by the legendary Sunil Gavaskar during his debut series against the West Indies in 1971.
Tactical Insights: How Australia Secured the Win
Relentless Bowling Attack
Australia’s pace attack, led by Cummins, proved too hot to handle for India. The hosts made the most of the pink ball’s movement under lights, exploiting India’s batting vulnerabilities. Even Mitchell Marsh contributed effectively with the ball, despite being primarily a batting all-rounder.
India’s Defensive Approach Backfires
India’s decision to adopt a defensive approach backfired spectacularly. The lack of partnerships and failure to adapt to conditions resulted in a quick collapse.
Australia’s Clinical Batting
When it came to chasing a modest target, Australia’s openers made it look effortless, ensuring a commanding ten-wicket win without breaking a sweat.
Implications for Both Teams
Australia’s Momentum
This victory not only cements Australia’s place as the favorites in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship but also sends a clear message to their rivals. Their ability to dominate in all formats makes them a formidable team on home soil.
India’s Struggles Continue
This match revealed considerable shortcomings in India’s batting lineup. As the India Tour of Australia 2024-25 progresses, they will need to regroup and address these issues quickly.
Looking Ahead: Key Matches in the Series
The India Tour of Australia 2024-25 offers more exciting encounters as these two cricketing giants face off in different formats. For a complete list of fixtures, visit the official India Tour of Australia 2024-25 Fixtures and Results.
To learn more about the squads, check out the India Tour of Australia 2024-25 Squads.
For insights into the broader ICC schedule, visit the ICC’s official website.
Fun Facts and Additional Stats
- Fewest Overs Bowled by Australians: Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Marsh combined to bowl just 30 balls, the third-fewest by Australians in a two-innings Test since 1903.
- Historical Comparisons: Mark Waugh and Greg Matthews bowled only 18 balls combined in the 1991 WACA Test against England.
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