India faced a daunting task at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday, ending day two of the fourth Test at 164 for five, trailing Australia by 310 runs. A clinical performance by Steve Smith, who notched his 34th Test century with a commanding 140, helped Australia post a formidable first-innings total of 474.
Smith, scoring his 11th century against India, reaffirmed his stature as a thorn in the visitors' side. His decisive 112-run partnership with captain Pat Cummins (49) bolstered Australia’s innings, with valuable contributions from Mitchell Starc (15) and the tailenders pushing the total to intimidating heights.
In reply, India suffered a mix of misfortune and poor judgment. After a promising 102-run partnership between opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (82) and Virat Kohli (36), a reckless run-out shifted momentum firmly in Australia’s favor. Jaiswal’s ill-advised single to Pat Cummins ended in disaster, leaving him to walk back visibly distraught.
Australia capitalized swiftly. Scott Boland, recalled to the side, removed Kohli shortly after, catching him behind with a precision delivery. Boland struck again, dismissing nightwatchman Akash Deep for a duck with Nathan Lyon taking a sharp, low catch off an edge.
India’s precarious position now rests on Ravindra Jadeja (four not out) and Rishabh Pant (six not out), who face a mammoth task to salvage the innings.
Smith Shines, Sharma Struggles
Smith’s sublime knock underscored his resurgence, ending doubts about his form. His century, brought up with a crisp off-drive, was the cornerstone of Australia’s dominance. Even his dismissal—edging onto his pads and dislodging a single bail—was a rare moment of fortune for India.
India’s skipper, Rohit Sharma, however, continued to struggle. Promoted back to the opening slot, he was dismissed for a meager three runs after an ill-judged pull shot was caught by Boland. With this being his eighth consecutive innings without a significant score, questions loom over Sharma’s place in the side.
Bowlers Deliver for Australia
Australia’s bowling attack, led by Cummins and Boland, kept India under relentless pressure. Cummins set the tone with an unplayable delivery to dismiss Rahul before tea and claimed Sharma’s early wicket. Boland’s late strikes further dismantled India’s resistance, leaving the tourists reeling.
Jasprit Bumrah emerged as India’s standout bowler, finishing with figures of 4-99. Despite his efforts, Mohammed Siraj endured a tough day, conceding 122 runs without a wicket. Siraj’s struggles were exacerbated by jeers from the home crowd, amplifying the pressure on the Indian quick.
Series in the Balance
India’s players wore black armbands as a mark of respect for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 92.
With the five-match series tied at 1-1, Australia’s commanding position in the fourth Test places them closer to seizing an all-important lead. India, meanwhile, must summon extraordinary resilience on day three to stay in contention and avoid an uphill battle heading into the final Test in Sydney.
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