The IND vs AUS Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground saw Australia asserting their dominance on Day 2, posting an imposing 474 before tea. India’s response began on a shaky note as the visitors ended the session at 51/2. Steve Smith once again showcased his class, smashing his 34th Test century, while Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja kept India in the game with impressive bowling spells.
Australia’s Resilience with the Bat
Resuming at an overnight score of 311/6, Australia capitalized on their strong foundation. Steve Smith, calm and composed as ever, stood out with a scintillating knock of 140 runs off 167 balls, an innings laced with nine boundaries and two sixes. It marked his second century in the series, following his heroics in Brisbane, and cemented his place as one of the modern greats.
Smith’s 144-run partnership with skipper Pat Cummins was the backbone of Australia’s batting on Day 2. Cummins contributed a valiant 49, frustrating Indian bowlers with his dogged defense and timely strokes. Together, they pushed Australia’s total past the daunting 400-run mark, a significant psychological milestone.
The lower order added crucial runs, with Sam Konstas playing a handy cameo of 60 before Australia were eventually bowled out for 474 in 122.4 overs.
India’s Bowling Effort
India’s bowlers had to work hard on a pitch that offered little assistance. Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 4/99. His fiery spells troubled the Australian batsmen, particularly with reverse swing late in the innings. Ravindra Jadeja complemented him with his control, claiming 3/78, while debutant Akash Deep showed promise, taking 2/94.
However, India’s inability to break the Smith-Cummins partnership early in the day proved costly, as the pair’s resilience turned the tide in Australia’s favor.
India’s Tentative Start with the Bat
In reply, India got off to a rocky start, with skipper Rohit Sharma falling for just 3 runs. His struggles in the series continued as he edged a sharp delivery from Pat Cummins to the slip cordon. Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul then steadied the ship briefly, putting together a cautious stand.
Rahul, who looked solid for his 24 runs, fell to Cummins on the stroke of tea, leaving India in a precarious position. Jaiswal remained unbeaten on 23, and India will need a herculean effort from their middle order to claw their way back into the contest.
Smith Joins the Greats
Steve Smith’s century not only put Australia in a commanding position but also etched his name further into cricketing history. This was his 34th Test hundred in 113 matches, placing him alongside legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Brian Lara on the all-time list of century-makers. Smith now trails only six players, including the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who leads with 51 centuries.
The Road Ahead
India faces an uphill battle as they trail by 423 runs with eight wickets in hand. With conditions expected to remain batting-friendly on Day 3, India will need significant contributions from their star players, including Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer, to prevent Australia from tightening their grip on the match.
As the Boxing Day Test unfolds, cricket fans can expect more riveting action in what has been a gripping series so far. For now, it’s advantage Australia, courtesy of Steve Smith’s brilliance and Pat Cummins’ lethal precision with the ball.
