Thrilling Test Cricket at the MCG: A Day of Ups and Downs in the 4th Test

Day 2 of the 4th Test between India and Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) delivered drama, resilience, and heartbreak as the match hung in delicate balance.

The scene was set at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), with over 87,000 spectators filling the stands for a riveting second day of the fourth Test between India and Australia. The day, packed with intense cricketing thrilling Test Cricket at the MCG: A Day of Ups and Downs in the 4th Test.

Here’s a comprehensive rundown of the day’s action, packed with milestones, pivotal moments, and a fair share of surprises.

Australia’s Dominance with the Bat

The day began with Australia resuming their innings at a commanding 311/6. Steve Smith, as always, was the centrepiece, showcasing his class and resilience.

Smith notched up his 34th Test century, an innings that was a masterclass in handling pressure and dominating bowlers. His partnership with skipper Pat Cummins proved to be a thorn in India’s side. Together, they added a vital 112 runs for the seventh wicket.

Cummins, though falling Painfully short of his half-century with 49 runs, played his role to perfection, frustrating the Indian bowlers with his determination. Smith, having scored a brilliant 140 off 197 deliveries.

The tail-enders chipped in valuable runs, with Mitchell Starc contributing a gritty 35. Australia’s innings came to an end at 474, a mammoth total on a pitch that promised to challenge the batters as the game progressed. Jasprit Bumrah was the standout bowler for India, finishing with figures of 4/99 in a marathon spell of 28.4 overs.

India’s Response: A Rocky Start

Chasing a formidable total, India’s innings began on a shaky note. Skipper Rohit Sharma, who promoted himself to open the innings, failed to capitalize on the opportunity. He perished early, attempting an ambitious pull shot off Pat Cummins, managing 3 runs. This early setback put the visitors under immense pressure.

Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul steadied the ship, adding 43 runs for the second wicket. Jaiswal, full of confidence, played with flair, reaching his half-century in 81 balls. His stroke-filled innings was a testament to his growing stature in international cricket.

But, Rahul fell to a peach of a delivery from Cummins right before tea, leaving India at a precarious 51/2.

Jaiswal’s Brilliance and Kohli’s Grit

Post-tea, Jaiswal raised hopes for India with a fluent half-century off 81 balls. The young opener showed maturity beyond his years, dispatching anything loose while respecting the good deliveries. Alongside Virat Kohli, Jaiswal added 66 runs for the third wicket, steering India to a stronger position.

Kohli, keen to anchor the innings, displayed exceptional judgment outside off stump, frustrating the Australian pacers. But, when the duo seemed set to seize control, a catastrophic mix-up led to Jaiswal’s run-out. Trying for a quick single, Jaiswal fell short of his crease, departing for a well-compiled 53.

Late Collapse: Boland Shines Under Lights

The run-out triggered a collapse. Boland, bowling with precision and venom, struck twice in quick succession. Kohli, rattled by the loss of Jaiswal, edged a delivery to the keeper, departing for 44 after a determined knock. Akash Deep, sent in as a nightwatchman, didn’t last long either, falling to Boland’s relentless accuracy.

At stumps, India were 164/5, with Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant at the crease. Both batters face an uphill task to rebuild on Day 3.

Key Highlights of the Day

Steve Smith’s Century: A masterclass in batting, Smith’s 140 off 197 balls showcased his ability to dominate even on challenging pitches.

Jasprit Bumrah’s Persistence: Despite minimal support, Bumrah’s 4-wicket haul kept India in the contest.

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Fifty: The young opener’s 53 was a testament to his technique and temperament in the face of quality bowling.

Boland’s Impact: Scott Boland’s fiery spell under fading light left India reeling, taking 2/24 in a game-changing phase.

What Lies Ahead

India’s fate now rests on the shoulders of their lower-middle order. Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant must find a way to counter Australia’s lethal pace attack on a surface that is starting to show signs of variable bounce. With over 300 runs still separating the two sides, India’s hopes of staying in the contest depend on a resilient fightback.

Meanwhile, Australia will look to capitalize on their momentum, aiming to bowl India out cheaply and enforce a significant first-innings lead. With Nathan Lyon yet to make a major impact, the prospect of spin-induced challenges looms large.

Final Word

The second day’s play at the MCG encapsulated the unpredictability of Test cricket. From Smith’s dominance to India’s late stumbles, it was a day filled with gripping action. As the match progresses, the stakes continue to rise, promising more twists in this enthralling Border-Gavaskar clash.

 Stay tuned for Day 3—it could well decide the direction of this Test and the series!