It was just a matter of when rather than if, and it didn’t take Australia too long to wrap up a 146-run victory and level the series 1-1, going into the third Test in Melbourne.
India’s second innings, overnight 112/5, lasted just one hour and five minutes – 140 all out in 56 overs as Christmas celebrations began a little early for the hosts.
It took about 20 minutes for Australia to dismiss overnight batsman Hanuma Vihari and almost as much time to remove Rishabh Pant. After that it was just a formality.
This was Australia’s first win since their victory in Durban against South Africa earlier this year and the first win for Tim Paine as captain after he over following the Sandpaper-gate that consumed Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft.
Micthell Starc (3/46) and Pat Cummins (3/39) claimed two each while Nathan Lyon added one more to his kitty (3/39) to hasten India’s end.
Australia would be mighty pleased with this win against a strong Indian team. Coming into the series with an undercooked bating line-up but a world-class attack, this could just be start of their revival.
Brief scores:
Australia: 326 all out and 243 all out in 93.2 overs
India: 283 all out & 140 all out in 56 overs
