Image: India are 310 runs behind on the second day of the MCG Test after Australia scored 474 / © India Today
After being 311/6 at the end of Day 1, Australia resumed their innings on Day 2 with Steve Smith leading the charge. The day started with Smith and Pat Cummins at the crease, and the duo added 163 runs in the morning session. Smith, playing with characteristic determination, reached his century, marking his 34th Test ton and 11th against India. He was eventually dismissed for 132 runs, with contributions from Mitchell Starc (49) and a stubborn lower-order display pushing Australia’s total to 474.
India’s response was rocky right from the start. Rohit Sharma, once again struggling for form, fell early to Pat Cummins, leaving India at 8/1. KL Rahul followed soon after, dismissed for 13, as Australia’s bowlers applied constant pressure. Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal briefly revived India’s hopes with a 107-run stand, but disaster struck when Jaiswal was run out for 82, followed by Kohli’s dismissal for 36.
At stumps, India was 164/5, trailing by 310 runs, with Ravindra Jadeja (22) and Rishabh Pant (15) left to rebuild on Day 3. The day was marked by Smith’s brilliance and India’s inability to build partnerships, leaving the visitors in a precarious position.