Australia’s Pacers Dismantle India’s Top Order to Dominate Fourth Test at MCG

Australia’s formidable pace attack put them firmly in control of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday, dismantling India’s top order after a commanding first-innings total driven by Steve Smith’s sublime 34th Test century.

India ended day two on 164-5, trailing by 310 runs after Australia posted a daunting 474 shortly after lunch. Rishabh Pant (6*) and Ravindra Jadeja (4*) were at the crease, but three late wickets in the final half-hour severely dented India’s momentum, especially after a promising 102-run partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli.

Australia’s Bowlers Shine

Pat Cummins and Scott Boland led the Australian bowling charge, claiming two wickets each. Cummins struck early, dismissing Indian skipper Rohit Sharma for just three. Sharma, returning to his usual opener role after batting lower in the order in recent matches, fell to a mistimed pull shot caught by Boland.

Cummins struck again moments before tea, clean-bowling the in-form KL Rahul for 24 to leave India reeling.

Jaiswal, however, showcased remarkable composure, playing fluently for his 82, including several stylish boundaries. The 22-year-old appeared on course for another century, following his 161 in the first Test, but was run out in a disastrous mix-up with Kohli.

Kohli, already in the spotlight for a 20% match fee fine after a shoulder charge on Australian debutant Sam Konstas, managed 36 before being caught behind off Boland. Boland also accounted for nightwatchman Akash Deep, who fell without scoring.

Smith Anchors Australia’s Total

Australia began the day at 311-6 and added another 163 runs, thanks to Smith’s composed 140. Smith, resuming on 68, played a masterful innings peppered with 13 fours and three sixes, including a six off Jasprit Bumrah that epitomized his dominance.

The milestone century, his second in consecutive matches after a return-to-form 101 in Brisbane, moved Smith into elite company with 34 Test hundreds, equaling legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Brian Lara.

Captain Cummins supported Smith with a valuable 49 before falling to Jadeja in the deep, ending a 112-run partnership. Smith’s innings concluded in an unusual dismissal, with an inside edge off Deep trickling onto the stumps after deflecting off his pads.

India’s bowlers found some success, with Bumrah finishing with 4-99, but their efforts were undermined by Australia’s relentless batting.

Series in the Balance

With the five-match series locked at 1-1, Australia’s dominant position in the fourth Test puts India under immense pressure. The series opener in Perth saw India secure a commanding 295-run victory, but Australia responded with a 10-wicket win in Adelaide. A rain-affected draw in Brisbane has left both teams eyeing an unassailable lead at the MCG.

Day three promises high stakes as India looks to mount a recovery and Australia aims to tighten its grip on the match.