At tea on Day 2 of the fourth Test between India and Australia, the visitors found themselves at 51 for 2, trailing by 423 runs. Australia’s imposing first-innings total of 474 has set the tone for a dominant display at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
India’s innings began tentatively, with Yashasvi Jaiswal showing some resilience to remain unbeaten on 23 off 43 balls. KL Rahul’s dismissal on the last ball before tea added to the mounting pressure. Pat Cummins, leading from the front with figures of 2 for 27 in 6 overs, claimed the vital wickets of both Indian openers. His sharp bowling underlined Australia’s relentless discipline with the ball.
Jaiswal and Rahul had started cautiously, but the latter fell victim to Cummins’ accuracy, bowled off a delivery that kept its line and deceived him completely. This marks yet another instance of India’s top order struggling under pressure.
Australia’s bowlers, including Scott Boland, kept the scoring tight, giving away no room for Indian batters to settle. Boland’s three overs for just nine runs typified the hosts’ suffocating strategy, while Cummins reaped the rewards with disciplined stump-to-stump bowling.
The pitch at the MCG, expected to favour batters on Day 2, provided little assistance to bowlers, making Australia’s precise and intelligent bowling even more commendable. For India, the challenge remains steep, with a fragile middle order now exposed to a charged-up Australian attack.
Trailing by 423 runs, India’s hopes rest heavily on a patient innings from Jaiswal and meaningful contributions from the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both senior players have been underwhelming in this series, with their form needing a turnaround to stabilise the innings and mount a fightback.
As the final session unfolds, India’s batters will need to recalibrate their approach, focusing on partnerships and capitalising on any loose deliveries. The margin for error is slim, and Australia’s bowlers will look to capitalise on their momentum.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
