Tags: India's tour of Australia 2024-25,
Australia v India, 4th Test in Melbourne, 26-30. December 2024,
India,
Australia
Published: December 27, 2024
India faced a tough outing on the second day of the ongoing Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as Australia asserted their dominance early on before the visitors faltered with the bat in the final session. The day witnessed outstanding individual performances, high drama and a charged atmosphere as the pendulum swung strongly in Australia's favour.
Australia Pile on the Runs
Resuming the day on 331/3, the Australian batsmen continued to pile on the runs with authority. Australian middle-order stalwart Steve Smith showed his class by scoring his 34th Test century in the morning session. Smith's fluid stroke play kept the Indian bowlers on the back foot as he added crucial runs in the lower order.
Captain Pat Cummins also made a significant contribution, falling agonizingly short of a deserved half-century when he was dismissed for 49. The Australians added 143 runs in just 27 overs before lunch, taking their total to a commanding 474. Jasprit Bumrah led the Indian bowlers , claiming four wickets, but the hosts had already laid a solid foundation.
India's shaky start
In reply, India's innings began with Rohit Sharma is promoted to open next to in-form KL Rahul. However, the decision did not produce the desired result. Sharma's stay at the crease was short-lived as he departed after scoring just three runs, undone by a failed shot.
KL Rahul, who has been India's most reliable player of late, looked comfortable before being dismissed after Tea was dismissed. His wicket was a major blow, leaving India precariously set at 51/2 in the final session.
Kohli faces a hostile reception
The final session brought a moment of controversy and drama as Virat Kohli walked out to bat, only to be booed by a section of the crowd at the MCG. The unwelcome reception for the Indian talisman was in stark contrast to the usual applause he commands on Australian soil, raising eyebrows in the cricketing fraternity.
Despite the pressure, Kohli has shown signs of his resilience but the road ahead remains challenging for India as they face a sizeable deficit. With Cheteshwar Pujara for company, Kohli will have to fight back on day three.
Looking Ahead
India's top order will need to step up if they are to contend with this competition. The pitch at the MCG is starting to show signs of wear and tear, making it difficult to get results. Australia, buoyed by their dominant performance so far, will look to take advantage of the situation and tighten their grip on the game.
The third day promises to be crucial in the match. It is an opportunity for India to come back, while Australia will be looking to grab an early lead in this crucial Test.