Australian cricket team once again managed to put in another massive score as their batter rose to the occasion. Rohit Sharma-led side entered the field on Day 2 to try to bowl out the Aussies side as soon as possible cause they only needed four more wickets. However, Steve Smith, Pat Cummins and the remaining tail made India wait for around one and a half sessions to get the final four wickets on Day 2. Australia posted a massive 474 on the board which can be considered a potential match-winning first innings score.
Steve Smith, Pat Cummins take score past 450
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.
India struggle to bowl out Aussie tail
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.
The only good news India can take from there is that the MCG pitch looks good to bat on but then again most of their batters are not in very sound form and can be seen struggling in the series so far.