Australia's skipper Pat Cummins (right) revels in the moment after dismissing India's Nitish Kumar Reddy on Sunday. — AFP

Australia's leader Pat Cummins expressed his gratitude for having a bowler of Mitchell Starc's caliber on his team, and credited Travis Head's explosive century for their series-tying triumph against India in the day-night second Test on Sunday. After their crushing loss in the first Test in Perth, Australia made a strong comeback at Adelaide Oval, maintaining their flawless 8-0 record in pink ball Tests with a 10-wicket victory over India. Starc's 6-48 in the first innings dismantled India, who were all out for 180, with Perth centurions Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli among his victims. In the second innings, Starc, the most prolific pink-ball bowler, dismissed Shubman Gill and dashed India's faint hopes of saving the test by removing the formidable Rishabh Pant.

"We recognize our strength as a team, and having someone like Starc is incredible," said Cummins, who claimed five wickets in the second innings. "He consistently delivers. He's been doing this for over a decade now. So, I feel very fortunate and honored." However, it was local hero Head who was awarded player of the match for his match-defining 140. Head, who scored match-winning centuries against India in the finals of the World Test Championship and the 50-overs World Cup last year, propelled Australia to a decisive lead that ultimately led to a series-tying victory.

"He thrives batting here," Cummins said of the left-hander. "Once again, he shifted the momentum. The game could have gone either way when he came out to bat, but he seized control immediately." The defeat in just over two days brought India back to reality after the euphoria of their Perth victory. "What we achieved in Perth was extraordinary, and we aimed to replicate that here," said touring captain Rohit Sharma. "But every test match presents its own challenges. We knew it would be tough with the pink ball. Australia outperformed us." Rohit, who gave up the opening slot for KL Rahul and played in the middle order, managed three and six in Adelaide.

The team will now turn their attention to the third Test in Brisbane, starting on Dec. 14, as they strive to retain the Border-Gavaskar trophy. "We just need to reflect on what we did right in Perth, and also what we did last time we were here," Rohit said. "We have some great memories. We understand that each Test match brings fresh challenges. We aim to start strong and play well."

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