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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
Table of results
| Comment
| Charts
India faced a tough edition on Day 2 of the ongoing Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), as Australia asserted their dominance early 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 heavily 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. Steve Smith, the leader of Australia’s middle order, showed his class by bringing up his 34th Test century in the morning session. Smith’s fluid strokeplay kept the Indian bowlers on the back foot as he added crucial runs with the lower order.
Captain Pat Cummins also contributed significantly, falling woefully short of his deserved half-century when he was dismissed on 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 efforts, claiming four wickets, but the hosts had already laid a solid foundation.
Shaky start for India
In response to this, India started with Rohit Sharma is promoted at the opening with KL Rahul in form. 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 mistimed strike.
KL Rahul, who has been India’s most reliable batsman of late, looked comfortable before being dismissed by Tea’s knock. His wicket was a major blow, leaving India precariously placed at 51/2 heading into 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 of the Indian talisman was in stark contrast to the usual applause he elicits on Australian soil, raising eyebrows across the cricketing fraternity.
Despite the pressure, Kohli has shown a glimmer 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 lead the fight on day three.
A look ahead
India’s top order will have to step up if they are to make it to the competition. The pitch at the MCG is starting to show signs of wear and tear, making it difficult to get results. Australia, encouraged by their dominant performance so far, will look to take advantage of the situation and control the game more tightly.
The third day promises to be crucial in the match. It is an opportunity for India to come back, while Australia will be looking for an early lead in this crucial Test.
