Cummins Commends Head's Spectacular Innings Following Dominant 10-Wicket Victory in Adelaide

Adelaide, Dec 8 (NationPress) After achieving a significant 10-wicket triumph against India in the pink-ball Test held at Adelaide Oval on Sunday, Australian captain Pat Cummins commended batsman Travis Head for his impressive 140-run innings that granted them a 157-run lead in the first innings, effectively leveling the five-match series at 1-1.

Following a 295-run defeat in Perth, Australia appeared more prepared and assertive for the day-night Test. Mitchell Starc's bowling performance of 6-48 restricted India to 180 runs on the second day after Rohit Sharma chose to bat first.

In response, Head's remarkable 140 runs, alongside Marnus Labuschagne's 64, propelled Australia to a total of 337 in their first innings, despite Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj each taking four wickets.

India's second innings was even more dismal than their first, with Cummins finishing with figures of 5-57, while Scott Boland and Starc claimed three and two wickets, respectively, as the visitors were dismissed for 175 runs.

"It was a great week; we were aware that we had a long way to go from the team we wanted to be in Perth. This match reflected our ideal style of play," Cummins remarked during the post-match presentation.

The pace bowler continued to praise Head for his 'momentum-shifting' performance during a crucial phase for Australia, highlighting how his efforts contributed to a significant victory for the home side.

"He thrives while batting here; it was definitely a turning point; the game could have gone either way when he came to the crease, but he took control of the situation. The key was establishing a substantial lead, and it happened to be a good time for the bowlers as well; it tends to do a bit more under the lights. The primary focus was securing a large lead," the fast bowler stated.

Reflecting on his own match performance, the Australian captain expressed satisfaction with his execution and that of his fellow fast bowlers, Starc and Boland.

"I was pleased; I wasn’t too disappointed with my bowling in Perth, felt fantastic this week, and it was great to take a few wickets. There was an incredible sense of unity within the group; we are well aware of our capabilities. Having someone like Starc is phenomenal; he consistently delivers time and again. I feel very fortunate and honored to have him in our squad," Cummins remarked.

"Scotty integrated seamlessly into the team, as he always does. I feel incredibly lucky to have someone of his caliber, as he challenges with every delivery. We hope Josh returns next week, but Scotty is simply outstanding," he added.

When asked about spinner Nathan Lyon having bowled just one over in the Test, Cummins replied: "He'll be jumping into the ice bath; it has been a demanding week for him."

The third Test between India and Australia is scheduled to take place in Brisbane starting December 14.