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Tags: India Tour of Australia 2024-25, Australia vs India, 4th Test in Melbourne, December 26-30, 2024, India, Australia
Published on December 27, 2024
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India faced a tough outing on Day 2 of the ongoing Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as Australia asserted their dominance before the visitors faltered with the bat in the final session. The day saw remarkable individual performances, high drama and a charged atmosphere as the pendulum swung strongly in Australia’s favour.
Australia Stack at the races
Resuming the day at 331/3, Australia’s batsmen continued to pile up the runs with authority. Australian Middle Order stalwart Steve Smith showed his class by scoring his 13th century in the morning session. Smith’s fluent stroke play kept the Indian bowlers on the back foot as he added crucial runs with the lower order.
Captain Pat Cummins also contributed significantly, falling agonizingly short of a well-deserved half-century when he was dismissed for 49. The Australians added 143 runs in just 27 overs before lunch, taking their total to 474 all out. Jasprit Bumrah led India’s bowling effort, claiming four wickets, but the hosts had already laid a solid foundation.
India’s shaky start
In response, India’s innings began with Rohit Sharma promoting himself to open Along with the in-form KL Rahul. However, the decision did not yield the desired result. Sharma’s stay at the crease was short-lived as he departed after scoring just three runs, without taking a shot with a start over time.
KL Rahul, who has been India’s most reliable batsman of late, looked comfortable before being dismissed on tea. His wicket was a huge blow, leaving India precariously placed at 51/2 in the final session.
Kohli faces hostile reception
The final session brought a moment of controversy and drama when Virat Kohli came out to bat, only to be met with boos from a section of the crowd at the MCG. The unwanted reception for the Indian talisman was in stark contrast to the usual plaudits he commands on Australian soil, raising eyebrows across the cricket fraternity.
Despite the pressure, Kohli showed glimpses of his resilience, but the road ahead remains challenging for India as they face a significant deficit. With Cheteshwar Pujara for Company, Kohli will need to lead the fight on Day 3.
Looking to the future
India’s top order will have to step up if they are to make a game of this contest. The pitch at the MCG is starting to show signs of wear, making scoring runs increasingly difficult. Australia, buoyed by their dominant performance so far, will look to capitalize on the situation and tighten their grip on the game.
The third day promises to be fundamental in the match. For India, it is a chance to stage a comeback, while Australia will aim to push for an early lead in this crucial Test.
