Boxing day test- Australia Dominance and India's Struggle day 2

Day 2 of BGT 4th Test MCG

Smith and Cummins started off well, once again testing the Indian bowlers with their partnership. Smith scored quickly and reached the 100-run mark in no time. Rohit brought his spinner, Jadeja, into the attack, and he took the crucial wicket of Cummins, who was out for 49 runs. Starc then came to the crease to join Smith in a partnership. Just as things were beginning to bloom, Jadeja delivered again, clean bowled Starc. Later, Smith was unexpectedly bowled out by Akash Deep. Australia was eventually all out for 474 runs, with Smith top-scoring with 140 runs. Bumrah was the leading wicket-taker for India in the first innings, claiming 4 wickets.

In search of batting form, Captain Rohit promoted himself to his usual opening spot alongside Jaiswal. However, this did not help, as Rohit was dismissed for just 3 runs by Cummins, and Boland took an easy catch. Rahul came in at number 3 and tried his best to bring some momentum back to the Indian side. But a beautiful delivery from Cummins dismissed Rahul for 24 runs, and India were at 51/2.

Then came the magic of Virat Kohli. He and Jaiswal gave India some hope as they slowly started to get back into the rhythm. Kohli was solid, leaving balls outside the off stump, while Jaiswal took the attack to the Australian bowlers and reached his half-century. Kohli found confidence with a couple of beautiful cover drives. Just when everything seemed to be going well, a terrible run-out occurred, and Jaiswal was dismissed for 82 runs.To protect the wickets, India sent Akash Deep in next. Shortly after, Kohli fell into the off-side trap, getting out to Boland. Akash Deep also fell quickly to Boland.

Now, Rishabh Pant and Jadeja are at the crease as Day 3 begins. Will there be another collapse, or will a miracle happen tomorrow? We’ll see how the game unfolds.