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The fourth Test match between India and Australia in Melbourne witnessed a dramatic turn of events, firmly placing the hosts in the driver's seat. Steve Smith's masterful 140-run innings, his 34th Test century, formed the backbone of Australia's formidable first innings total of 474. This impressive score, achieved after resuming on 311/6, set a daunting target for the visiting Indian team. Smith's innings was a display of composure and calculated aggression, showcasing his class and experience against a determined Indian bowling attack. He reached his century with a boundary off Nitish Kumar Reddy, continuing his resurgence in form after a strong performance in Brisbane. The partnership between Smith and Pat Cummins (49) added 112 runs, further solidifying Australia's position. Cummins himself contributed a valuable half-century, showcasing his all-round abilities. The Australian tail also offered some resistance, with Boland's unbeaten 6 runs contributing to the team's imposing total. Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the Indian bowlers with 4-99, but his efforts couldn't stem the tide of runs.
In stark contrast to Australia's batting prowess, India's top order crumbled under the pressure of Australia’s fiery pace attack. The visitors ended day two at a precarious 164/5, still a significant 310 runs behind Australia. Rohit Sharma's struggles continued, falling for a mere 3 runs early in the innings, while KL Rahul, despite his recent good form, was dismissed for 24 by Pat Cummins. The loss of these key batsmen early in the innings dealt a severe blow to India's hopes of chasing down Australia's substantial first innings total. Yashasvi Jaiswal showed promise with a stylish 82, showcasing his potential and talent on the international stage, but a comical run-out in a mix-up with Virat Kohli ended his dangerous innings. Kohli himself contributed a 36-run knock before being caught behind, adding to India's mounting woes. Scott Boland and Pat Cummins were the chief architects of India's collapse, claiming two wickets apiece. The late wickets, claimed in the final half-hour, effectively choked any momentum that India had managed to build earlier in the day.
The contrasting performances of the two teams highlighted the stark difference in their approaches and execution. Australia’s batting displayed a remarkable level of composure and calculated aggression, while India’s batting lacked consistency and fell prey to a disciplined bowling attack. The Australian bowlers executed their plans impeccably, exploiting the conditions and bowling with precision and control. Their ability to pick up wickets at crucial junctures further cemented Australia's dominance. India's struggle in their chase raises serious questions about their batting strategy and ability to handle the pressure of a challenging target. The late collapse, and the run-out of Jaiswal especially, demonstrated the team's vulnerability under pressure. Despite the setback, Washington Sundar expressed optimism in the Indian dressing room, highlighting the team's resilience and determination to fight back in the remaining three days. The match is far from over, and the next few days will be crucial in determining the outcome of the contest. The energy in the Indian dressing room remains high, offering a glimmer of hope for a potential comeback.
The fourth Test match is part of a five-match series currently tied 1-1. India secured a commanding victory in Perth by 295 runs, while Australia bounced back with a comprehensive 10-wicket win in Adelaide. The third Test in Brisbane ended in a draw due to rain. The match in Melbourne is proving to be a crucial encounter in the series, with the outcome potentially shaping the final standings. The dramatic shifts in momentum throughout the match demonstrate the unpredictable nature of Test cricket, and the importance of consistently strong performances across all aspects of the game. Smith's performance serves as a reminder of his enduring class and ability to influence the course of a match. The match provided a fascinating contrast between Australia's assertive approach and India’s resilience, with each team displaying different facets of their strengths and weaknesses. The remainder of the match promises to be an enthralling encounter, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final ball is bowled.
Source: India lose five after Smith’s heroics put Australia in charge