Nathan Lyon, Australia’s celebrated off-spinner, didn’t mince words when discussing India’s batting woes during the second day of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The day was marred for India not only by questionable shot selections but also by miscommunication between players, culminating in the run-out of young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, which Lyon referred to as one of the most remarkable ‘barbecues’ he had ever seen.
On December 27, 2024, India’s Test team reshuffled its batting order significantly, returning skipper Rohit Sharma to his natural opening position alongside Jaiswal. After batting at No. 6 in the previous two matches, Rohit’s decision was presumably aimed at reinvigorate his form. Unfortunately, the strategy backfired. He was dismissed for just three runs by Australian pacer Pat Cummins, adding pressure on the Indian middle order.
KL Rahul, pushed to the No. 3 position—a spot traditionally accustomed to Shubman Gill—took the crease amid the growing tension. Before the match, Lyon had cheekily questioned Rahul, asking, “What do you do wrong to bat one down?” This sledge was intended to unsettle Rahul after his unexpected demotion, and Lyon's words certainly added to the already mounting pressure of the game.
Despite Rahul’s initial resolve, playing some promising strokes, the psychological battle was hard-fought. He too eventually fell prey to Cummins, dismissed by what proved to be nearly unplayable delivery. Lyon’s remarks were indicative of the mental pressure the Indian batsmen were under, and his ‘barbecue’ comment underscored the randomness of cricket, where one misjudgment can turn the tide of the game.
Following the match, Lyon briefly put the run-out incident under scrutiny. The mix-up between Jaiswal and Virat Kohli came at a fortunate moment for Australia, deeply impacting the Indians’ momentum. “It was probably one of the best barbecues I've seen. It came out of the blue. They were doing it pretty easy out there,” Lyon explained, reflecting on how pressure can warp the focus of even seasoned players.
Java Kapoor, Jaiswal’s coach, weighed in on the run-out, sharing his thoughts on the miscommunication seen between the two batsmen. Jaiswal, who had been building confidence with his impressive innings of 82 runs from 118 balls, became the first victim of this unfortunate lapse, forcing India to rethink their batting strategy.
With Kohli at the other end, it seemed as if they were about to establish control; yet, the unexpected run-out shifted momentum entirely to the Australians. Kohli himself, not long after Jaiswal's exit, fell victim to incoming pressure, edging to wicketkeeper Alex Carey off Scott Boland after managing 36 runs off 86 balls. Kohli, regarded as one of the premier batsmen globally, has had constant troubles against the Australian attack throughout the series, and this performance proved no exception.
Commentators noted the ramifications of Jaiswal's run-out, labeling it as catastrophic for India's subsequent batting efforts. The earlier sense of security quickly eroded as Kohli’s fall precipitated the loss of nightwatchman Akash Deep, pushing India to 164-5 at day’s end with the follow-on looming near. Lyon's quip about 'silly run-outs being coach killers' echoed sadly through the changing rooms as the Indian side stared down the barrel of defeat.
Further complicity arose with commentators and former players calling for Rohit Sharma’s accountability, particularly concerning his shot selection. Former Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting described Rohit's dismissal as “lazy” and indicative of someone not mentally engaged, which he deemed unacceptable against the informed Australian bowling unit. “If you’re going to survive against this Australian attack, you have to be switched on and make good decisions. Otherwise, they’ll knock you over every time,” he emphasized.
Adding to the criticism, Darren Lehmann chimed in, urging Rohit to embrace his naturally aggressive style, advising, “If he’s going to hit it, hit it, Rohit. You’re class player. Take it on,” highlighting the necessity for clear mental engagement and decisive batting against the relentless Australian bowling.
India finds itself struggling with the balance of its batting order and team dynamics as the series progresses. The absence of regulars like Shubman Gill has also drawn attention to the fragility of the lineup. The match highlights have undeniably shifted the psychological advantage to Australia, as exemplified by Lyon’s incisive remarks, which grasped at the core of the game’s tension.
With the fourth match continuing, it is evident the Indian side’s resilience and adaptability will undergo serious scrutiny—especially with their backs against the wall. The lessons from this encounter may resonate not only through the remainder of the match but possibly throughout the entire series.
