Australia’s Pacers Dominate as India’s Top Order Crumbles on Day Two
India 164-5 (Jaiswal 82, Kohli 36, Boland 2-19, Cummins 2-43) trail Australia 474 (Smith 140, Cummins 49, Bumrah 4-99) by 310 runs
Australia’s fierce pace attack dismantled India’s top order on Day Two of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), leaving the visitors at 164-5, still 310 runs behind Australia’s commanding first-innings total of 474. The day belonged to Steve Smith, who scored his 34th Test century, and the Australian bowlers who capitalized on India’s middle-order collapses.
India’s Fragile Top Order
India’s chase began poorly, with skipper Rohit Sharma falling for just 3 to a mistimed pull off Pat Cummins.
- KL Rahul (24): Bowled by Cummins off the last ball before tea, leaving India vulnerable at the break.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (82): The 22-year-old played with flair, striking elegant boundaries in a 102-run stand with Virat Kohli, before a mix-up with Kohli led to his run-out, dashing India’s hopes for stability.
- Virat Kohli (36): After showing impeccable discipline, Kohli edged a delivery off Scott Boland, who also dismissed nightwatchman Akash Deep (0) in quick succession.
India collapsed from 153-2 to 164-5 in just a few overs, with Rishabh Pant (6)* and Ravindra Jadeja (4)* left to salvage the innings.
Australia’s Commanding First Innings
Resuming at 311-6, Australia added another 163 runs to their total.
- Steve Smith (140): Anchored the innings with 13 fours and 3 sixes, reaching his century with a boundary off Nitish Kumar Reddy.
- Pat Cummins (49): Formed a crucial 112-run stand with Smith before being caught in the deep off Jadeja.
- Jasprit Bumrah (4-99): The standout bowler for India, removing the tail to limit Australia’s lead.
Smith’s dismissal came in bizarre fashion, with the ball deflecting off his pads and rolling onto the stumps after an inside edge.
Key Moments
- Jaiswal-Kohli Mix-Up: A poorly judged single left Jaiswal stranded, wasting his fluent innings and tilting momentum in Australia’s favor.
- Boland’s Brilliance: With precise lines, Boland took two crucial wickets, breaking India’s resistance late in the day.
- Kohli’s Booing: The crowd at the MCG booed Kohli after his dismissal, reflecting mounting frustration over his form and his controversial conduct on Day One.
What’s Next?
India faces an uphill battle on Day Three to avoid a significant deficit. Australia’s bowlers, led by Cummins and Boland, will look to capitalize on the conditions and wrap up India’s innings quickly. With the five-match series tied at 1-1, a strong finish in Melbourne is crucial for both teams’ World Test Championship hopes.
