Rohit Sharma-led India cricket team is once again finding themselves in a precarious situation as they witnessed a mini-collapse by the end of Day 2. The visitors lost five wickets by the time the umpires called for stumps and only had 164 runs on the scoreboard. Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal were carrying the inning well but following their departure in the span of an over, Indian side were once again thrown on the backfoot by the hosts.
Smith's ton powers AUS to 474
At the end of play on Day 1 of the fourth Test on Thursday, Australia was at 311 for six after India rallied with four late wickets. Sam Konstas, a teenage debutant, enthralled the Melbourne Cricket Ground with an exciting knock during the morning session earlier in the day. Tailender Pat Cummins was on eight, while Steve Smith was still undefeated at 68.
However, Steve Smith and Pat Cummins spoiled India's plan to make a comeback in the innings as both of them joined a stunning partnership. Smith reached his century, his second consecutive in the series and Cummins played a captain's knock of 49 runs before getting out. Both of them ensure that their team get past 400. However, even after Cummins' departure, Smith did not allow the run flow to come down and before lunch on Day 2 Aussies were standing at 454/7.
Even after post-lunch and getting the wicket of Steve Smith, who played an astonishing knock of 140 runs off 197 balls, Indian bowlers failed to bowl out the tail. They allowed Aussies to post on the board. At the end of Day 1, the host were 311/6 and then ended their innings at 474.
India fail to perform with the bat again
Indian captain Rohit Sharma came to open the match but his outing was once again cut short as he returned back to the dugout after scoring just 3 runs off five balls on the final delivery of the second over. Later Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul did try to steady the ship but their 43-run stand was cut short by Cummins who had earlier dismissed Rohit as well. Rahul walked back after scoring 24 runs.
Then walked out Virat Kohli, who was welcomed by massive boos but the superstar batter stabilised the Indian innings along with Jaiswal and joined a crucial 102-run partnership. However, an unfortunate run out of Yashasvi which was followed by Virat's dismissal six balls later once again put India on the backfoot.
Akash Deep who walked in as the nightwatchman after Jaiswal's departure was the final wicket to fall on Day 2. Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant will resume the game on Day 3. India are on 164/5 with only Washington Sundar the only legitimate batter in the line-up remaining.