Tags: 2024-25 Australia India Tour, Australia vs India, 4th Test at Melbourne, 26-30 December 2024, India, Australia
Posted on: December 27, 2024
Scorecard | Commentary | graph
India faced a tough challenge on Day 2 of the ongoing Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Australia took the lead early on before the visitors were rocked with the bat in the final session. The day witnessed incredible individual performances, dramatic drama and a tense atmosphere that swung the pendulum heavily in Australia’s favour.
australian dummy
Resuming play at 331/3, Australia’s batsmen continued to score runs with authority. Australian middle-order stalwart Steve Smith showed his class by scoring his 34th Test century in the morning session. Smith’s fluent strokeplay kept the Indian bowlers on the back foot and added crucial runs further down the order.
Captain Pat Cummins also made a significant contribution, understandably falling short of half a century when he was dismissed after 49 years. The Australians added 143 runs in just 27 overs before lunch to take their total to 474. Jasprit Bumrah led India’s bowling effort, taking four wickets, but the hosts had already laid a solid foundation.
India’s rocky start
India’s rocky start
In response, India’s innings began as follows: Rohit Sharma is promoting himself for the opening. With KL Rahul providing the information. However, the decision did not yield the desired results. Sharma’s period in crisis was short-lived as he started off after scoring just three runs but was canceled out by an untimely shot.
KL Rahul, who has been India’s most reliable batsman in recent times, looked comfortable before being dismissed due to Tee’s stroke. His wicket took a toll, leaving India precariously placed at 51/2 heading into the final session.
Kohli faces hostile reception
Kohli faces hostile reception
The final session brought moments of controversy and drama as Virat Kohli walked out to bat and was booed by some in the crowd at the MCG. The unwelcome reception to India’s talisman stands in stark contrast to the usual applause he commands on Australian soil and has raised eyebrows across the cricketing fraternity.
Despite the pressure, Kohli has shown glimpses of his resilience, but the road ahead remains tough for India as they face a significant deficit. Along with Cheteshwar Pujara, Kohli should lead the fightback on day three.
Looking into the future
Looking into the future
India’s top team will have to step up to qualify for this tournament. The pitch at the MCG is starting to show signs of wear, making scoring goals increasingly difficult. Buoyed by their dominant performance so far, Australia will look to take advantage of the situation and strengthen their grip on the game.
The third day promises to be a pivotal day for the competition. It’s a chance for India to bounce back and Australia will be aiming to take an early advantage in this crucial Test.
