 |
| Steve Smith (left) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (AP Photo) |
Smith's Masterful 140 and India's Batting Collapse Define Day 2 at MCG
Smith Leads Australia's Charge
Steve Smith, who is often called India's nemesis in Test cricket, once again proved his mettle with the bat. Resuming the day with a strong start, Smith displayed a masterclass in batting, scoring 140 runs in a crucial knock that held the Australian innings together. His partnerships with the middle and lower order ensured that Australia reached a commanding total of 474 runs.
The hallmark of Smith's hundred was precision and grit. In the face of a disciplined Indian bowling attack, he found gaps, rotated the strike, and punished looseness. There were many cover drives that were a piece of poetry and one six, that towered above everything and brought the crowd on their feet.
Early Mishaps for India
India began to respond against Australia's record total from a fragile base. For 3 runs, Rohit Sharma was dismissed with the responsibility, which saw the team go in for an uphill task of chasing the remaining runs. Early movement on the pitch, particularly from Australian pacers Pat Cummins and Scott Boland, made things difficult for India's top order.
However, a spirited 102-run partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli gave the Indian camp a glimmer of hope. Jaiswal looked in fine touch, scoring a brisk 82 with strokes all around the ground. Kohli, too, seemed to find his rhythm, contributing 36 valuable runs.
Turned on its head: Jaiswal's Run-Out
A turning point in the day was in the form of a disastrous run-out of Yashasvi Jaiswal. It came from a moment of hesitation and miscommunication with Kohli that got him caught short of the crease. That is how India's batting collapsed.
Kohli, shortly after the run-out, was dismissed by Scott Boland, who continued to impress with his tight lines and consistent pace. India's middle order crumbled under pressure, with quick wickets leaving them struggling at 164 for 5 by stumps.
Australia's Bowlers Shine
Credit to Australia's bowling, which, headed by Pat Cummins and Scott Boland, really kept going hammer and tongs. Pat Cummins was really able to find bounce and movement and in tandem with Scott Boland's impeccable accuracy, put the Indian batsmen under enough pressure, not to give them too many easy runs. Then, there is the spin duo of Nathan Lyon and Todd Murphy.
What is in store for the tourists?
With India trailing by 310 runs and five wickets remaining, the team stands with a tough task on its hands to save the match. The series stood at 1-1, and now Australia enjoys the golden opportunity to secure a win and take the upper hand in the series.
Day 3 will certainly be a decisive day. For India, a rescue act by the lower middle order and a tight bowling effort will help them reclaim the game. For Australia, early wickets will help make it a complete win.
Such has been the Test itself, and such has the series been - a roller-coaster ride. With the game unfolding, things are going to get more exciting.
