India Faces Collapse at MCG: Fourth Test Day Two Highlights
NEW DELHI: Day two of the fourth Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground saw India struggle at 164/5, grappling with a familiar batting collapse. The pivotal moment came with Yashasvi Jaiswal’s unfortunate run-out, which was a result of miscommunication with Virat Kohli. Jaiswal, who was in fine form with 82 runs, was sharply run out by Pat Cummins, abruptly halting India’s momentum.
With a daunting 310-run deficit looming and follow-on concerns, India’s task against an invigorated Australian bowling attack, spearheaded by Cummins and Scott Boland, became increasingly challenging.
Jaiswal-Kohli Partnership Offers Hope
Before the collapse, Jaiswal and Kohli had formed a promising partnership, adding 102 runs for the third wicket. Their solid defense and confident strokeplay provided a glimmer of hope after KL Rahul’s early dismissal for 24. However, the run-out of Jaiswal triggered a domino effect, leading to the swift loss of wickets.
Rohit Sharma’s Disappointing Start
Captain Rohit Sharma’s decision to open the innings backfired as he fell cheaply for just three runs, leaving India in a precarious position early on.
Aussie Tail Wags to Extend Lead
Australia, resuming at 311/6, managed to post a formidable total of 474, thanks to a crucial 112-run partnership between Steve Smith and Cummins for the seventh wicket. Smith’s magnificent 140 runs were the backbone of Australia’s innings, making him the first batter to score 11 Test centuries against India.
In this high-stakes encounter, India must regroup quickly to avoid a follow-on and mount a serious challenge against a dominant Australian side. For those looking to catch the latest updates and offers related to cricket gear and accessories, head over to Looffers.com for exclusive deals!
