Australia’s pacers produced a ruthless performance on Day 2 of the fourth Test against India, decimating India’s top order. Steve Smith’s stellar 140 laid the foundation for a formidable total, putting Australia in a commanding position as India’s batting faltered under pressure.
Smith’s Masterclass Powers Australia to Big Total
Australia began the day with a solid 311/6 on the scoreboard. After a brief partnership between Smith and skipper Pat Cummins, the hosts set a challenging total of 474, leaving India with an uphill battle ahead.
Steve Smith’s Stunning 34th Test Century
Steve Smith’s remarkable 140 was the highlight of the innings. With 13 boundaries and three sixes, Smith was in complete control throughout his knock. His patient century, coming on the back of a 101 in the previous Test, was another testament to his exceptional skill and resilience at the crease. Smith’s innings moved him alongside legends such as Sunil Gavaskar and Brian Lara, marking his 34th Test century and further cementing his place among the greats of the game.
Other Key Contributions from the Australian Line-Up
While Smith stole the spotlight, several other Australian players made crucial contributions. Usman Khawaja (57), Marnus Labuschagne (72), and Alex Carey (31) provided steady support, ensuring that Australia posted a commanding total. However, the middle order did struggle, with Travis Head (0), Mitch Marsh (4), and Cameron Green (not out) contributing very little to the final score.
Pat Cummins (49) added a gritty knock, while Nathan Lyon (13) and Scott Boland (6) played brief cameo roles before Australia was bowled out for 474, a total that looked daunting in the given conditions.
India’s Fightback Derailed by Australia’s Pacers
India’s response was shaky from the start. Captain Rohit Sharma’s struggles with form continued as he was dismissed cheaply for just three. The experienced opening batsman, who had shifted to the top after a disappointing series in the middle order, failed to find his rhythm and fell to a pull shot off Pat Cummins.
KL Rahul (24) also succumbed to a Cummins delivery just before tea, leaving India on the back foot early in the innings.
Yashasvi Jaiswal Shines But His Departure Undermines India’s Momentum
Despite the early setbacks, young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal stood firm, scoring a fluent 82. The 22-year-old Indian batsman, who scored a brilliant 161 in the first Test at Perth, displayed composure and class, hitting a flurry of boundaries and looking set for a big score. However, disaster struck when Jaiswal found himself stranded after a miscommunication with Virat Kohli. A quick single off Boland left Jaiswal stranded, and he was run out after an unfortunate mix-up, ending a promising 102-run partnership with Kohli.
Kohli’s Departure and Boland’s Late Burst
India’s woes worsened as Virat Kohli (36) was caught behind off Boland. The dismissal further dampened India’s hopes, and soon after, Akash Deep (0) was dismissed by the same bowler. This left India at a precarious 164-5 at the close of play, still trailing Australia by 310 runs.
Pat Cummins and Scott Boland Lead the Attack
Pat Cummins, in his captaincy role, was excellent with the ball, picking up two important wickets. Scott Boland, too, was exceptional, claiming two wickets and helping his team dominate the final session. Both pacers displayed tremendous control and discipline, exploiting the pitch’s seam movement to dismantle India’s top order.
India’s Fightback: Pant and Jadeja Hold Ground
At the close of Day 2, Rishabh Pant (6*) and Ravindra Jadeja (4*) were at the crease, with India still having plenty of work to do. The pair will look to counterattack on Day 3, with India hoping for a strong partnership to set the stage for a comeback. With the lower order still to come, the onus is on the pair to show resilience and dig in for a long haul.
The Breakdown: Australia’s Path to 474 and India’s Response
Australia’s dominant performance on Day 2 was built on the back of Steve Smith’s composed century. The bowlers then stepped up in the evening, with Cummins and Boland delivering a deadly spell that left India reeling at 164-5.
Australia’s Total of 474 – A Challenging Target for India
Australia’s total of 474, thanks to contributions from Khawaja, Labuschagne, and Carey, sets India a daunting challenge. The target would require a strong batting effort from the visitors, but with only five wickets remaining, India faces a monumental task.
India’s Batting Woes Continue
Rohit Sharma’s failure to score and the run-out dismissal of Jaiswal were major setbacks for India. Despite Jaiswal’s fight, the Indian batting lineup has yet to show consistency and resilience in this Test. India will need to regroup and come out strong on Day 3 if they are to avoid further collapse and remain competitive in the match.
The Role of Pacers: Cummins and Boland Deliver for Australia
Pat Cummins, as the leader of the attack, was instrumental in Australia’s success on Day 2. His two early wickets broke the back of India’s resistance. Boland, too, was outstanding, capitalizing on conditions to remove key players like Kohli and Deep.
Can India Recover? The Road Ahead
Despite the tough situation, India has a fighting chance. Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja will have to play with utmost determination, while the lower order will need to show resilience to give India a shot at staying in the game.
FAQs
1. What was the highlight of Australia’s performance in the second innings?
Steve Smith’s brilliant 140 was the standout performance, leading Australia to a dominant total of 474.
2. How did India fare on Day 2 of the fourth Test?
India struggled throughout the day, ending at 164-5, still trailing by 310 runs.
3. What caused India’s collapse on Day 2?
India’s top order, including Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli, failed to make significant contributions. A mix-up between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Kohli also resulted in a run-out.
4. Can India make a comeback in this Test?
While India is in a tough position, Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja will need to counterattack and build a partnership to help India fight back.
5. How did the Australian bowlers perform on Day 2?
Pat Cummins and Scott Boland were exceptional, claiming two wickets each and dismantling India’s top order.
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