Australia finds itself firmly positioned against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as the fourth Test enters its second day. By the end of the second session on December 27, 2024, Australia has set a formidable first innings total of 474 runs, and India's early batting woes have left them at 51 for 2, trailing by 423 runs.
The session started with Australia resuming at 454 for 8, featuring a strong batting display led by the seasoned Steve Smith, who ended his innings with 140 runs off 197 balls. His innings included 13 fours and three sixes, showcasing both aggression and technique.
Pat Cummins, Australia's skipper, played a pivotal role with the bat, scoring 49 runs from just 63 deliveries. He formed a significant partnership of 112 runs with Smith, demonstrating the dominance of the Australian batting lineup. Cummins' dismissal came as he attempted to push the game forward, caught attempting to drive off Ravindra Jadeja.
After Cummins, Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland added some valuable runs before India's Jasprit Bumrah trapped Lyon LBW, concluding Australia's innings at 474. Bumrah was the standout bowler for India, claiming four wickets for 99 runs, with Jadeja supporting him with three wickets.
India's run chase, which began with Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal at the crease, started poorly. Sharma’s return to the opening slot ended abruptly; he managed to score only 3 runs before being dismissed by Cummins when he mistimed a shot, giving Boland an easy catch. India's early score was 8 for 1.
Jaiswal, who was joined by KL Rahul, managed to stabilize the innings momentarily with some deft shots, including drives through the covers. The pair put together a brief partnership, but it was cut short just before the end of the session when Rahal fell to Cummins for 24, leaving Jaiswal unbeaten on 23 as they headed to tea.
The pressure now lies on Jaiswal, who needs to anchor the innings if India has any hopes of mounting a comeback. The Indian top order has faced consistent challenges throughout the series, and the situation at the end of the second session highlighted those struggles.
The conditions have remained conducive for batting, with only minor assistance for the bowlers. India started well with initial deliveries but failed to capitalize, allowing Australian batsmen to score freely. Cummins and Smith capitalized on every scoring opportunity as India’s bowlers, including Mohammed Siraj, struggled with line and length, leading to waves of runs flooding from the Australian innings during the morning session.
Smith's century was his 34th in Test cricket and came after he struck 101 runs in the previous Test, demonstrating his return to form and his dominance over the Indian bowling attack. The Indian bowlers have found it particularly challenging to contain both Smith and the Australian lower order, resulting in significant runs leaking.
By the close of play at tea, fans of both teams had plenty to discuss, particularly the different paths taken by the two teams as they look to secure the series. Australia's batting performance was marked by strategic aggression and methodical strokes, contrasting sharply to India's tentative approach.
The tension is palpable as India faces the prospect of having to rescue the match on the third day, with the next session being pivotal for both teams. Will Jaiswal be able to mount the charge India so desperately needs to stay competitive? Or will Australia continue to impose their dominance? Only time will tell as this gripping contest at the MCG continues.
