Australia set the tone for a dominant position after Day 2 of the ongoing 2024/25 Test series against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), finishing with a hefty total of 474 runs in their first innings. At stumps, India were struggling at 164/5, trailing by 310 runs, with Rishabh Pant (6*) and Ravindra Jadeja (4*) at the crease.
Earlier, Australia’s formidable first innings was built around a brilliant 140 by Steven Smith, with solid contributions from Pat Cummins (49) and Mitchell Starc (15).
India's bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah (4/99) and Ravindra Jadeja (3/78), fought valiantly but were unable to stem the flow of runs, particularly in the morning session, where Australia added 143 runs in just 27 overs. Smith’s century was marked by precision and intent, along with a cheeky six over fine leg off Mohammed Siraj.
India’s response faltered early, with captain Rohit Sharma falling for a mere 3, miscuing a pull shot to mid-on off Cummins. At 51/2 after 15.1 overs, India found themselves precariously placed.
Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal attempted to rebuild, with Jaiswal showcasing resilience to score a well-crafted 82 runs off 118 balls. However, Australia’s relentless pressure soon bore fruit, as Jaiswal was run out following a mix-up, and Kohli (36) edged Scott Boland behind to wicketkeeper Alex Carey,
Despite these setbacks, the 102-run partnership between Kohli and Jaiswal had provided India with a glimmer of hope.
With India’s tail now exposed, all eyes are on Pant and Jadeja to salvage a competitive total. However, Australia’s bowlers, particularly Boland and Cummins, have been in menacing form. The battle between Kohli and Boland continues to be a key highlight, with Boland having dismissed Kohli three times in the past five innings.
In a remarkable subplot to the day’s play, Boland's tactical battle with Kohli reached another chapter as he dismissed the Indian stalwart with a delivery that seamed away from the off-stump, forcing an outside edge to Carey. It added to Boland’s growing reputation as a nemesis for the Indian superstar.
For India, the day was a test of resilience as they trail by over 300 runs. With a spot in the series at stake, the task at hand remains daunting. If Pant and Jadeja can weather the storm, they will have an opportunity to lay the foundation for a fightback in the upcoming sessions. However, the MCG pitch continues to offer value for shot-making, and Australia will be eager to finish the job quickly on Day 3.
In another crucial turn of events, Australia's earlier domination in the field was marked by a lack of intensity. Sunil Gavaskar and Justin Langer, in the commentary box, were vocal in pointing out India’s uncharacteristic lack of sharpness in the field, which had allowed Australia to build on their morning success.
As the match progresses, all eyes will be on the Indian duo of Pant and Jadeja to keep the visitors afloat.(UNI)
