On the second day of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Australia tightened their grip on the match, thanks to a century from Steve Smith and a late burst of wickets by Scott Boland.
Australia’s First Innings:
Resuming at 311 for six, Australia posted a formidable total of 474 all out. Steve Smith was instrumental, scoring 140 runs—his 34th Test century and 11th against India. He received support from captain Pat Cummins, who contributed 49 runs. India’s bowling attack was led by Jasprit Bumrah, who took four wickets for 99 runs, and Ravindra Jadeja, who claimed three for 78.
India’s Response:
In reply, India faced early setbacks, with captain Rohit Sharma dismissed for just three runs by Pat Cummins. A promising 102-run partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal (82) and Virat Kohli (36) offered some resistance. However, a mix-up led to Jaiswal’s run-out, and shortly after, Kohli was caught behind off Scott Boland’s bowling. Boland further troubled the Indian batting lineup by dismissing nightwatchman Akash Deep for a duck. By the end of the day, India was at 164 for five, trailing by 310 runs and needing 111 more to avoid the follow-on.
Key Moments:
- Steve Smith’s Century: Smith’s 140 anchored Australia’s innings, marking his second century of the series.
- Scott Boland’s Impact: Boland’s late spell was crucial, as he took two important wickets, including that of Virat Kohli, to put India under significant pressure.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Run-Out: A miscommunication with Kohli led to Jaiswal’s dismissal, triggering a collapse in India’s batting order.
With three days remaining, India faces a challenging task to bridge the deficit and avoid a follow-on, while Australia will aim to capitalize on their advantageous position.
Australia’s Scott Boland delivered a pivotal late spell on Day 2 of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, leaving India in a precarious position. Australia, having posted an imposing first-innings total of 474, was powered by Steve Smith’s masterful 140 and Pat Cummins’ valuable 49-run contribution. India faced early trouble as captain Rohit Sharma was dismissed for just three runs by Cummins. A solid 102-run partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored an impressive 82, and Virat Kohli, contributing 36, offered hope. However, a miscommunication led to Jaiswal’s run-out, triggering a batting collapse. Kohli soon edged a delivery to the keeper off Boland, who capitalized further by dismissing nightwatchman Akash Deep for a duck. By the close of play, India was struggling at 164 for five, trailing by 310 runs and needing 111 more to avoid the follow-on. Boland’s ability to extract late movement was instrumental, making him the standout performer as he heaped pressure on the Indian batting lineup. With three days remaining, India faces an uphill battle to stay in the game, while Australia looks firmly in control, poised to capitalize on their commanding position. Boland’s impactful spell has set the tone for a challenging third day.