IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 3 Live: India stare down the barrel
A familiar collapse unfolded for India as they were left reeling at 164/5 on day two of the fourth Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday. The turning point came with the inexplicable run-out of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was in sublime touch. A mix-up with Virat Kohli while attempting a quick single allowed Pat Cummins to effect a sharp run-out, shattering the momentum.
With a 310-run deficit and a follow-on looming on a benign batting track, India face an uphill battle against a resurgent Australian attack led by Scott Boland and Cummins.
Jaiswal run out sparks batting collapse
A moment of miscommunication brought Jaiswal’s sublime innings to a halt, triggering a dramatic Indian collapse on day two of the fourth Test. Jaiswal, who looked destined for a century with a fluent 82 off 118 balls, was run out after a mix-up with Kohli while attempting a quick single. Kohli, caught in two minds, retreated too late as Cummins’ direct throw ended Jaiswal’s stay.
Seven balls later, Kohli himself perished, poking at a Scott Boland delivery outside off-stump, ending his disciplined knock of 36. Nightwatchman Akash Deep was dismissed in the penultimate over of the day, leaving India precariously placed at 164/5, still trailing by 310 runs.
Jaiswal-Kohli partnership offers hope
India’s hopes rested on the resilient partnership between Jaiswal and Kohli, who added 102 runs for the third wicket. After KL Rahul’s (24) dismissal to a sharp Cummins delivery, Jaiswal and Kohli combined to steady the ship with confident strokeplay and solid defense. Jaiswal, in particular, impressed with his fluent drives, cuts, and pulls, amassing 11 fours and a six.
However, the young opener’s run-out not only ended his innings but also derailed India’s momentum, as wickets tumbled rapidly thereafter.
Rohit Sharma fails as opener
Skipper Rohit Sharma’s move to open the innings backfired spectacularly. He was dismissed for just three runs in the second over, top-edging a pull shot off Cummins. Scott Boland took an easy catch, leaving India 8/1 early in their reply to Australia’s massive first-innings total.
Aussie tail wags to extend lead
Australia, resuming at 311/6 overnight, added crucial runs through their lower order, reaching 474 before being bowled out. Steve Smith and Pat Cummins frustrated the Indian bowlers with a 112-run partnership for the seventh wicket, pushing the score past 400.
India managed a brief fightback post-lunch, picking up the last three wickets for just 20 runs, but by then the damage was done. Smith was eventually dismissed for a superb 140, bowled by Akash Deep after a mistimed charge.
Steve Smith’s record hundred
Smith’s 34th Test century was the cornerstone of Australia’s innings. Starting the day on 68, he took control of the proceedings with a mix of caution and aggression, becoming the first batter to score 11 Test centuries against India. Smith’s efforts, combined with Cummins’ gritty 49, ensured Australia posted a formidable total on a batting-friendly surface.
