India’s star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah gave fans a moment of serious concern on Day 2 of the second Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval when he appeared to sustain an injury during a crucial phase of the match. The incident unfolded in the 81st over of the innings, soon after India opted for the second new ball. Bumrah, who was in his third spell of the day, started the over strongly, troubling Travis Head with a peach of a delivery on the second ball. However, after being hit for a boundary on the third delivery, he collapsed to the ground, clutching his adductor muscle.
The team’s physio rushed onto the field to attend to Bumrah, raising alarms among Indian fans and commentators. Former cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri, who was on commentary, confirmed that Bumrah appeared to be experiencing discomfort in his adductor region. Despite the scare, Bumrah showcased immense resolve by finishing the over and returning to bowl again in the 83rd over, much to the relief of the Indian contingent.
Earlier in the day, Bumrah was at his fiery best, spearheading the Indian attack. He dismissed Nathan McSweeney early, caught behind for 39, before removing the dangerous Steve Smith for just 2 with a sharp delivery down the leg side. His relentless aggression and accuracy rattled the Australian batting lineup, giving India crucial breakthroughs in the morning session. Bumrah’s heroics accounted for Australia’s first three wickets, keeping the visitors in contention despite the hosts’ resilience.
Australia, however, mounted a fightback through the partnership of Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head. The pair added a vital 65 runs for the fourth wicket, steadying the innings after Bumrah’s initial burst. Labuschagne played a measured knock, crafting a patient 64 before being dismissed by debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy. On the other hand, Head adopted a counterattacking approach, dominating the Indian bowlers with an explosive display of stroke-making.
Head’s scintillating innings was the highlight of the day. The aggressive southpaw smashed his eighth Test century, scoring 140 off just 141 balls. His knock, studded with 17 boundaries and four towering sixes, left the Indian bowlers searching for answers. Head attacked with intent, taking full advantage of any loose deliveries and consistently finding gaps in the field. His dismissal, however, brought relief to India, as Mohammed Siraj uprooted his stumps with a perfect yorker, sending him off with an animated celebration.
Apart from Head, the Australian lower order struggled against India’s disciplined bowling attack. Alex Carey managed only 15 runs before falling to Bumrah, while Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed Mitchell Marsh for 9 after a brief controversy over a DRS decision. Marsh, who appeared to have edged the ball onto his pad, was given a lifeline by the third umpire, but Ashwin soon had him caught at slip to settle the matter.
Bumrah continued his stellar performance by cleaning up Australian skipper Pat Cummins just before the dinner break, ending the session with impressive figures of 4/59 from 22 overs. His efforts ensured that India remained in the game despite Australia’s formidable total.
By the end of Day 2, Australia were 332/8, holding a substantial lead of 152 runs. With two wickets still in hand, the hosts will look to push their advantage further on Day 3. Meanwhile, India’s bowlers will aim to wrap up the innings quickly and give their batters a fighting chance to claw back into the match. The day’s play, filled with drama, resilience, and moments of brilliance, set the stage for an intriguing third day in what has been a closely contested Test series so far.
