Virat Kohli Falls to Fourth Stump Trap; Australia Tightens Grip on Day 2
On Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, Australia took control. Steve Smith’s century and Pat Cummins’ brilliance set the tone. After dismissing Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, Australia’s bowlers took out set batters Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli. India ended the day at 164/5.
Jaiswal’s Run-Out Adds to India’s Misery
India started their innings under pressure. Australia scored 474 in their first innings. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli tried to rebuild after early setbacks. They added a promising 102-run partnership for the third wicket.
In sublime form, Jaiswal hit some exquisite strokes in his 82 off 118 balls. The left-hander brought up his ninth Test fifty and seemed destined for a century. However, a mix-up with Kohli caused a run-out. It cut short a potentially match-winning innings.
Virat Kohli’s Fourth Stump Struggles Resurface
Following Jaiswal’s departure, the pressure mounted on Kohli to anchor the innings. The former skipper looked good at first. He then curbed his instincts. He left his deliveries outside off stump with precision. He scored 36 runs off 86 balls, with a few elegant boundaries. But, his dismissal showed a recurring weakness in his game.
In the 43rd over, Scott Boland bowled a teasing delivery in the fourth-stump corridor. Kohli, who had been disciplined until then, poked at the ball, edging it to Alex Carey behind the stumps. The Australian fielders erupted in celebration. They had claimed the prized wicket of Kohli. This tilted the match in their favor.
Cummins and Boland Shine with the Ball
Pat Cummins was key to Australia’s early breakthroughs. He dismissed Rohit Sharma for 3 runs, then bowled KL Rahul for 24 with a near-unplayable delivery.
Scott Boland, a master of crucial moments, took two wickets. He dismissed Kohli and nightwatchman Akash Deep. This kept Australia on top.
Australia’s Dominance Built on Smith’s Century
Earlier, Steve Smith’s 140 anchored Australia’s innings. Pat Cummins (49) and the lower order added to it, raising the total to 474. Smith’s 34th Test century was a masterclass. It solidified his status as one of the best batters in the format.
India’s Position at Stumps
At the close of Day 2, India was reeling at 164/5, trailing by a massive 310 runs. Rishabh Pant (6*) and Ravindra Jadeja (4*) will resume on Day 3. They must reduce the deficit and save their team’s hopes.
Key Stats from Day 2
- Australia First Innings: 474 in 122.4 overs (Smith 140, Cummins 49; Bumrah 4/99)
- India’s Score at Stumps: 164/5 in 46 overs (Jaiswal 82, Kohli 36; Cummins 2/57, Boland 2/24)
