Australia have taken firm control of the game, building on their strong position from the previous day. Steve Smith resumed his fine form, expertly guiding the lower order and forming a crucial 112-run partnership with Pat Cummins that pushed Australia beyond the 400-run mark. Smith brought up a magnificent century, his 34th in Test cricket, before falling unexpectedly. Nevertheless, Australia posted an imposing total of 474 in their first innings. The Indian bowlers struggled to make inroads, allowing the visitors to dominate.
In reply, India suffered an early blow as skipper Rohit Sharma fell cheaply to Cummins, with his promotion to the top order failing to pay off. Jaiswal and Rahul showed promise at the crease, but a vicious delivery from Cummins dismissed Rahul on the last ball before tea, further tilting the momentum in Australia’s favor.
Kohli looked composed from the start, displaying excellent judgment in leaving deliveries outside off and playing late. Jaiswal brought up a fluent fifty, accelerating as India gained momentum. Their 100-run partnership revived the visitors’ hopes, but the tide turned quickly. Jaiswal’s eagerness for a tight single led to his run-out, which seemed to unsettle Kohli, who edged one to Boland shortly after. Nightwatchman Akash Deep also fell to Boland in the closing moments of the day. India still trail by 310 runs and need 111 more to avoid the follow-on.
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Boland’s Late Burst Puts Australia in Command After Smith’s Heroics
Local hero Scott Boland spearheaded a late Australian surge on the second day in Melbourne, consolidating their dominance in the fourth Test after Steven Smith laid the foundation with his second consecutive century. Though Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli had steadied India with a century partnership, a dramatic final half-hour swung the momentum firmly in Australia’s favor.
Jaiswal, nearing a well-deserved century, drove to mid-on and set off for a risky single that Kohli declined, resulting in a sharp run-out courtesy of Pat Cummins’ direct hit. Just two overs later, Boland found Kohli’s outside edge, sending the MCG crowd into raptures and putting India’s chances of first-innings parity in jeopardy.
Boland then capped off a stellar day for Australia by dismissing nightwatchman Akash Deep at leg gully in the dying moments, reducing India to 3 for 6 in quick time and leaving them with an uphill battle.
India Falter Early and Late on a Tough Day in Melbourne
It was a challenging day for India, marred by struggles at both the start and end. In the morning session, their bowling lacked intensity as Australia piled on 143 runs in just 27 overs. Steve Smith reached his 34th Test century, edging closer to the milestone of 10,000 Test runs, while he and Pat Cummins added a crucial 112 runs for the seventh wicket.
India’s woes continued with the bat as Pat Cummins struck in his first over, dismissing Rohit Sharma, whose promotion to the top of the order backfired. Rohit’s disappointing series—scoring just 22 runs across four innings—has raised questions about the longevity of his Test career. Cummins then produced a beauty to castle KL Rahul, leaving India wobbling at 51 for 2 by tea.
However, Yashasvi Jaiswal offered a glimmer of hope, overcoming his struggles against Mitchell Starc to provide stability. Alongside Virat Kohli, who seemed intent on rediscovering his best form, Jaiswal gave the large contingent of Indian supporters in the record second-day crowd of 85,147 something to cheer about.
Jaiswal’s Brilliance Cut Short, Kohli Falls as India Struggle
Much like his impressive 161 in Perth, Yashasvi Jaiswal showed flair and confidence against the short ball, executing ramps over the slips and driving elegantly down the ground. He showcased his intent by lofting Mitchell Marsh over long-on for six and cutting Scott Boland to the boundary to reach his half-century. With a century in sight, Jaiswal’s innings came to a sudden halt. Attempting a tight single, he called for a run that was never on, while Kohli stayed rooted at his crease. Pat Cummins collected calmly and delivered a pinpoint throw to Alex Carey, who celebrated even before breaking the stumps.
Kohli, starting his innings with a steely resolve just a day after being fined for shoulder contact with Sam Konstas, looked focused. He resisted Australia’s attempts to lure him into chasing wide deliveries, leaving judiciously and stroking a sublime cover drive when presented with the opportunity. A flick off his pads against Starc for a boundary through midwicket hinted at his rhythm. However, the ever-persistent channel outside off eventually undid him, perhaps compounded by the mental toll of Jaiswal’s run-out.
Smith’s Century and Cummins’ Knock Propel Australia Ahead
Resuming at 311 for 6 after Konstas headlined the opening day, Australia made an aggressive start, piling on runs against an Indian side that appeared lackluster. Nine runs came off the first over, setting the tone for a morning session where scoring opportunities were aplenty. While Jasprit Bumrah remained a threat, even conceding a hooked six to Steve Smith, the rest of the attack struggled to contain the flow of runs.
Smith reached his 34th Test century with a flawless cover drive off Nitesh Kumar Reddy and then targeted Mohammed Siraj, who leaked runs at over five an over. It was vintage Smith, reminiscent of his peak form in 2019. Together with Pat Cummins, he forged a brisk century partnership in just 21 overs, with the Australian captain demonstrating his ability to dominate when batting positively.
Cummins fell one run short of a fourth Test fifty, miscuing a shot to long-off against Ravindra Jadeja, who also dismissed Mitchell Starc immediately after lunch. Smith’s innings ended in an unusual fashion when he inside-edged an Akash Deep delivery onto his pads, only to watch the ball roll back and clip the leg bail. Despite the dismissal, Smith’s form and the remaining opportunities in this series put him within striking distance of reaching one of cricket’s most elusive milestones.
Australia vs India 4th Test Summary
Australia: 474 (Smith 140, Labuschagne 72, Konstas 60, Khawaja 57, Cummins 49; Bumrah 4-99, Jadeja 3-78, Akash Deep 2-94)
India: 164 for 5 (Jaiswal 82, Kohli 36, Pant 6*, Jadeja 4*; Boland 2-24, Cummins 2-57) trail Australia by 310 runs
Looking Ahead to Day 3
Test cricket continues to deliver its dramatic twists. India appeared in control as Jaiswal and Kohli steadied the ship, their partnership marked by a superb square cut from Jaiswal to bring up their century stand. But then, chaos ensued. From a comfortable 153 for 2, India tumbled to 164 for 5, losing three wickets for just 13 runs.
This sudden collapse has shifted the momentum firmly in Australia’s favor. With India still 111 runs away from avoiding the follow-on mark of 275, Australia are poised to push for a commanding lead. A thrilling day of cricket lies ahead as the battle for control intensifies.
Join us tomorrow for more of this captivating contest. See you then!
FAQs
How did Steve Smith perform in this Test match?
Steve Smith scored his 34th Test century, showcasing vintage form reminiscent of his 2019 peak. His partnership with Pat Cummins added 112 crucial runs, setting up a commanding total for Australia.
What led to India’s late-day collapse?
India’s collapse began with a run-out mix-up that dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal, followed by Virat Kohli nicking off to Scott Boland. Nightwatchman Akash Deep’s dismissal capped off the slump, leaving India at 164 for 5.
How did Australia capitalize on Day 2?
Australia resumed at 311 for 6 and scored freely, with Smith leading the charge. Contributions from Pat Cummins and a late surge by Scott Boland gave them a firm grip on the match.
What is India’s target to avoid the follow-on?
India needs 275 runs to avoid the follow-on but still trails by 111 runs with five wickets in hand.
What’s the outlook for Day 3?
Australia is in a strong position to enforce a substantial lead or potentially bowl India out before they reach the follow-on mark. Day 3 promises high-stakes action.
