India won the toss and decided to bowl. Australia, with a strong Travis Head (163) – Steve Smith (121) partnership, managed to score 469 runs in their first innings before being bowled out on Day 2. Both Travis Head and Steve Smith scored centuries and turned the tide in Australia’s favour.
India lost crucial wickets in quick succession during their first innings. Ajinkya Rahane (89) – Shardul Thakur (51) partnership momentarily ignited hope for India but the team was eventually bowled out at 296 as they trailed Australia by 173 at the end of the innings.
Australia managed to score another 270 runs in their second innings before skipper Pat Cummins' declaration, leaving India with a daunting target of 444 runs.
India got off to a good start in their second innings as Rohit Sharma scored 43 runs in 60 balls before being dismissed by Nathan Lyon. The Kohli (49) – Rahane (46) partnership was crucial for India to reach the target. However, on Day 5, Scott Boland dismissed Kohli and Jadeja in the same over, further narrowing the chance of India’s victory.
India was bowled out at 234 on final day, leading to a 209-run win for Australia. Travis Head was declared the ‘Player of the Match’ for his crucial century during Australia’s first innings.
ADVERTISEMENT
