Australia’s fast bowlers delivered a stunning performance on day two of the fourth Test, leaving India struggling at 164-5, trailing by 310 runs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. This came after Australia posted a formidable first-innings total of 474, with Steve Smith anchoring the innings with a classy 140.
Smith’s 34th Test century was the highlight of Australia’s batting effort, as he guided the team to a commanding position. His knock included 13 fours and three sixes, and he shared a crucial 112-run partnership with captain Pat Cummins, who contributed 49. Smith’s century saw him join the ranks of cricketing greats, such as Sunil Gavaskar and Brian Lara.
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India’s response faltered under pressure, losing three late wickets in the final half-hour of the day. Rohit Sharma, who resumed as opener, continued his struggles, falling cheaply for three. KL Rahul was dismissed for 24, while Yashasvi Jaiswal (82) looked solid but was run out after a mix-up with Virat Kohli. Kohli, who had been fined for an on-field incident on day one, fell for 36, caught behind off Scott Boland.
The Australian attack, led by Boland and Cummins, dominated the Indian top order, with both bowlers taking two wickets each. Despite a strong start to the day by India, including a promising 102-run partnership between Jaiswal and Kohli, the late wickets stalled their progress.
Australia had resumed on 311-6 and added 163 more runs before declaring. After Smith’s dismissal, a mix-up on a single saw Mitchell Starc fall for 15, and Nathan Lyon was dismissed lbw by Jasprit Bumrah, who finished with figures of 4-99.
The series remains level at 1-1 after India’s big win in Perth and Australia’s dominant 10-wicket victory in Adelaide. The rain-affected third Test in Brisbane ended in a draw, making the outcome of this Test crucial in deciding the series.
