IND vs AUS 4th Test | Smith ton puts Aussies in control as India implodes after Jaiswal run-out to end Day 2 on 164/5

A modern great’s ton ensured Australia’s dominance while a youngster’s counter-punch helmed India’s brief resistance. Steve Smith’s fluent 140 placed the host in a dominant position in the fourth Test on Friday (December 27, 2024).

The former Australian captain’s ton helped Pat Cummins and his men post 474 in the first innings. At the second day’s close here at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, India, after riding on Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 82, finished with 164 for five. The 22-year-old was set for a big knock before a mix-up with Virat Kohli, triggered a run-out.

Prior to this evening meltdown, India’s first innings commenced with Rohit Sharma returning as an opener. The skipper punched Cummins for initial runs and with Jaiswal looking confident, India nursed hopes. But they were dashed when Rohit attempted to pull Cummins, paused mid-stride and popped a catch.

K.L. Rahul walked in and drove with elan while southpaw Jaiswal upper-cut Cummins. The duo settled in but on the brink of tea, Cummins castled Rahul with a delivery that curled in and then straightened to rattle the timber. India 51 for two, and in trouble.

In the last session, Kohli was greeted with a mixture of boos and the ‘Kohli’ chants. His petty run-in with debutant Sam Konstas on Thursday, has obviously split his fandom. Shutting out the noise, he drove Cummins and Mitchell Starc on either side of the pitch.

Meanwhile, Jaiswal tucked into Starc, lofted Nathan Lyon, and hoisted Mitchell Marsh for six. More was on offer but when he dabbed Scott Boland straight to Cummins and scampered for a risky single, Kohli did not budge. It became a triple blow as the latter edged Boland and nightwatchman Akash Deep fell for a blob.

Earlier in the morning, Australia resumed at the overnight 311 for six. Just as the sun lit up the venue, the host’s first innings gained runs through shots and the odd edge as Smith and Cummins stitched a fine seventh-wicket partnership.

Some avoidable drama happened when a fan ran in. Rohit deftly avoided the intruder while Kohli found a stranger’s arm around his shoulder before the security personnel stepped in. India’s struggle became evident when Smith pulled a six off Jasprit Bumrah.

Soon the former Australian captain reached his 34th Test hundred and while crossing over, Kohli patted the centurion. The alliance worth 112 runs concluded when Cummins freed his arms against Ravindra Jadeja and offered a catch in the deep.