India struggle after Australia’s dominance on Day 2 at the MCG
Tags: India Tour Australia 2024-25, Australia vs India, 4th Test in Melbourne, December 26-30, 2024, India, Australia
Published on December 27, 2024.
Score Card | Comment | Graphs
India face a tough outing on Day 2 of the ongoing Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), as Australia asserted their dominance early on before the visitors stumbled with the bat in the final session. The day saw incredible individual performances, high drama and a vibrant atmosphere as the pendulum swung heavily in Australia’s favour.
Australian pile on the run
Continuing the day at 331/3, the Australian batsmen continued to run with authority. Australia’s middle-order stalwart Steve Smith showed his class by scoring his 34th Test century in the morning session. Smith’s fluent stroke play put the Indian bowlers on the back foot, as he added crucial runs to the lower order.
Captain Pat Cummins contributed significantly as he fell well short of a well-deserved half-century when he was dismissed for 49. The Australians added 143 runs in just 27 overs before lunch to take their total to 474 runs. Jasprit Bumrah led India’s bowling effort by claiming four wickets, but the hosts had already laid a strong foundation.
The start of Indian Wobbly
In reply, India’s innings started with Rohit Sharma introduces himself to open From the in-form KL Rahul side. However, the decision did not bring the desired result. Sharma’s stay at the crease was short-lived as he was bowled out for just three runs, undone by an ill-timed shot.
KL Rahul, who has been India’s most reliable batsman in recent times, looked comfortable before being dismissed at the stroke of tea. His wicket was a huge blow, leaving India to sit on a cautious 51/2 heading into the final session.
Kohli faced a hostile reception.
The final session brought a bit of controversy and drama when Virat Kohli came out to bat, meeting a section of the crowd inside the MCG. The Indian talisman’s unexpected reception, unlike the usual ovation he commanded on Australian soil, raised eyebrows in the cricketing fraternity.
Despite the pressure, Kohli has shown signs of settling in, but India face a tough road ahead as they face a huge deficit. With Chetshwar Pujara for company, Kohli should lead the charge on Day 3.
look forward
India’s top order needs to step up if they want to make a match in this tournament. The pitch at the MCG is starting to show signs of wear and tear, making run scoring difficult. Australia, buoyed by their impressive performance so far, will look to take advantage of the situation and keep a tight grip on the game.
The third day promises to be crucial in the game. For India, it’s a chance to stage a comeback, while Australia will aim to gain an early advantage in this crucial test.
