Star spinner Washington Sundar remains optimistic about India's chances in the fourth Test against Australia at the MCG, despite visitors' precarious position in the match. At the end of Day 2's play, India were reeling at 164/5, with Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja at the crease. Earlier, a promising partnership of 102 runs between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli did well to stabilise India's boat. However, the dismissal of both batters in quick succession triggered India's batting collapse.
Washinton Sundar confident of India's fightback in 4th Test against Australia
"We were in a great position to get big runs, but we will still come back and continue to fight tomorrow morning. The energy is very good in the dressing room, we are all positive. There's a long time in the game still three days, lots of overs to play. It's about us trying to fight really hard and get things done for the team," Sundar said in the press conference after the end of Day 2's play.
Acknowledging the team's reliance on his all-round abilities, Sundar expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute significantly in all three aspects of the game.
"Isn't it amazing that the team wants me to do really well in all three aspects of the game? That's a great opportunity for me," he added.
The star all-rounder also talked about MCG pitch and said that it will be a good surface to bat on on Day 3.
"It was a little soft yesterday because the sun didn't come out the whole day. The wicket also started to play a lot better today, and we batted really well. I guess tomorrow and the day after, it will be a good surface to bat on. The wicket won't change much, so it will be an exciting couple of days," Sundar concluded.
Australia dominate India on Day 2
The Australian pace attack kept India's top order in check, putting the hosts firmly in control of the fourth Test. Australia set a formidable first-innings total of 474 riding on Steve Smith's 34th Test century.
At the close of play on Day 2, India were struggling at 164/5, still trailing by 310 runs. Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja were at the crease, but the momentum shifted dramatically towards Australia in the final half-hour, with three quick wickets.
Scott Boland and Pat Cummins were the chief architects of India's downfall, each claiming two wickets.
Skipper Rohit Sharma, reverting to his usual opening role, failed to improve his recent poor form. He was dismissed early, caught by Boland at mid-on off a pull shot by Pat Cummins. Cummins continued his impressive spell, dismissing the in-form KL Rahul with the final ball before tea. Yashasvi Jaiswal played a commendable innings, scoring 82 runs with a combination of aggressive strokeplay and sound technique. However, a crucial mix-up with Virat Kohli led to his dismissal, triggering a collapse that left India facing a challenging task on Day 3.