Adelaide Test: Labuschagne, Head Fifties Give Australia A Slender Lead Over India

December 7, 2024: Australia took a crucial lead over India on Day 2 of the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Adelaide, with strong performances from Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head. By the end of the first session on Saturday, Australia was 191/4, leading by 11 runs, with Head on 53* and Mitchell Marsh on 2* at the crease.

Day 2 began with Australia at 86/1, and the hosts quickly added 105 runs in the first session, as both Labuschagne and Head played aggressive knocks. The Indian bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, managed to pick up three wickets on the day, but the Aussies were firmly in control.

Jasprit Bumrah struck early in the session, dismissing Nathan McSweeney for 39 in the 37th over. This was a key wicket, as McSweeney had settled in well at the crease.

Steven Smith replaced McSweeney but continued his poor form, getting out for just 2 runs in the 41st over, courtesy of another strike from Bumrah.

Travis Head joined Labuschagne and the pair began building a crucial partnership, crossing the 150-run mark in the 51st over.

• Nitish Kumar Reddy broke the partnership by dismissing Labuschagne for a well-made 64 in the 55th over, but Head and Mitchell Marsh steadied the ship, continuing to add runs.

Bumrah was the standout bowler in the session, taking 3 wickets in his 15-over spell, conceding just 23 runs. Reddy took 1 wicket, while Mohammed Siraj and Harshit Rana were costly, with neither being able to provide a breakthrough in the early part of the day.

As the match moves forward, India will be hoping for early breakthroughs in the second session to stay in the game, while Australia looks to extend its lead and push for a strong first-innings total.