Introduction
The ongoing fourth Test between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has seen a dominant performance from the hosts, as they gained a commanding advantage on day two. Australia’s first innings ended with a substantial 474 runs, thanks to a brilliant century by Steve Smith, which left India struggling at 164-5, still 310 runs behind. While a century partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli gave India a glimmer of hope, their subsequent dismissals, combined with Akash Deep’s fall just before stumps, placed the visitors in a precarious position.
Steve Smith’s Resilience Leads Australia to Strong Total
Steve Smith was the standout player on day two, scoring his 34th Test century to give Australia a firm grip on the match. After resuming play on 311-6, Australia added another 163 runs, with Smith playing a composed innings of 140 runs. His knock included 13 boundaries and three sixes, marking his return to form after a similar century in the previous Test in Brisbane. This century propelled Smith to join cricketing legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Brian Lara in the all-time century-makers list, with only six players ahead of him.
Smith’s innings not only provided Australia with a strong total but also served as a reminder of his immense value to the team. His ability to weather difficult situations and play long, impactful innings makes him a key figure in Australia’s batting lineup.
Smith Joins Elite Company
This century was significant for Smith, as it brought him level with cricketing greats like Sunil Gavaskar and Brian Lara. These two legends of the game, along with Smith, now have 34 Test centuries, a testament to their consistency and skill over the years. Only six players have more Test centuries than Smith, with the legendary Sachin Tendulkar holding the record at 51 centuries.
Australia’s Lower Order Adds Valuable Runs
While Smith was the main contributor, Australia’s lower order also played a crucial role in the team’s total. Pat Cummins, the Australian captain, was aggressive in his brief stay at the crease, scoring 49 runs before being dismissed off Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling. Mitchell Starc added a useful 15 runs before falling, and Smith’s innings was brought to an end when he got an inside edge off Akash Deep, sending the ball to leg stump for 140.
Indian Bowling Struggles to Contain Australia
India’s bowlers faced an uphill task throughout the day, struggling to contain Australia’s batting. Jasprit Bumrah, who has been one of India’s most reliable pacers, was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 4-99, but even he could not stem the flow of runs. Ravindra Jadeja, the ever-reliable spinner, also chipped in with 3-78, but the Indian bowlers lacked the consistency and discipline needed to break Australia’s partnerships effectively.
After resuming play on 311-6, Australia added 163 more runs, highlighting the difficulty India’s bowlers faced in the MCG conditions. The failure to bowl Australia out quickly allowed the hosts to assert their dominance early on in the match.
India’s Response: Early Setbacks
When it came time for India to respond, they were immediately put under pressure by Australia’s bowlers. Rohit Sharma, who was returning to open the batting after being demoted to No. 6 in previous Tests, was dismissed for a mere three runs, caught off Pat Cummins’ bowling. This early blow set the tone for India’s struggles.
KL Rahul, who has been under pressure in recent matches, could not withstand the pressure either. He was dismissed just before the tea break for 24 runs, bowled by Cummins. These early setbacks left India’s middle order with the difficult task of trying to rebuild and reduce the gap between the two teams.
Jaiswal and Kohli: A Partnership that Offered Hope
Despite the early wickets, India found some stability in the middle-order partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli. The two put together a solid century partnership, which provided some hope for India in the face of Australia’s dominance. Jaiswal, in particular, looked calm and composed, while Kohli played with his usual confidence.
This partnership, which pushed India’s score towards 100, was crucial for the visitors. However, their hopes of a recovery were dashed when both players fell in quick succession. Jaiswal was dismissed for a well-made 52, while Kohli, who was looking solid, was dismissed for 41 runs. These two quick wickets handed Australia a significant advantage.
Akash Deep’s Dismissal Further Puts India on the Backfoot
Just before stumps, India suffered another blow when Akash Deep was dismissed. His departure left India struggling at 164-5, still trailing by 310 runs. With three days remaining in the Test, India has a steep task ahead of them to avoid a defeat in this crucial match.
Conclusion: Australia’s Firm Control
With India’s batting under pressure and Australia’s bowlers finding their rhythm, the hosts are in a commanding position heading into day three. Steve Smith’s brilliant century, coupled with strong contributions from the lower order, has put Australia in the driver’s seat. The Indian team will need a massive turnaround to avoid falling behind in this fourth Test.
The series stands at 1-1, with both teams having won one Test each. India’s large win in Perth and Australia’s 10-wicket victory in Adelaide set the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the series. With three days remaining and India still trailing by a significant margin, the match promises to be an exciting contest.
FAQs
1. What was Steve Smith’s contribution to Australia’s first innings total?
Steve Smith scored 140 runs, marking his 34th Test century, which played a crucial role in Australia reaching a strong total of 474 runs.
2. How did India respond to Australia’s large total?
India struggled in their response, losing early wickets, including Rohit Sharma for 3 and KL Rahul for 24, leaving them at 164-5 by the end of day two.
3. Who were the key bowlers for India in Australia’s innings?
Jasprit Bumrah was the standout bowler for India, taking 4 wickets for 99 runs, while Ravindra Jadeja claimed 3 wickets for 78 runs.
4. How did the partnership between Jaiswal and Kohli unfold?
Jaiswal and Kohli formed a crucial 100-run partnership that provided hope for India. However, both were dismissed in quick succession, putting India back under pressure.
5. What is the current status of the series between Australia and India?
The series is currently tied at 1-1, with India’s dominant victory in Perth and Australia’s 10-wicket win in Adelaide. The fourth Test remains critical for both teams
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