Australia Pile on the Runs

Resuming the day on 331/3, the Australian batsmen continued to pile on the dominance. Steve Smith, the brave Australian middle-order, showed his class by bringing up his 34th Test Century in the morning session. Smith’s innings clearly put the Indian bowlers on the back foot, as he added much-needed run and delivery.

Captain Pat Cummins, too, contributed greatly, falling painfully short of the halfway mark when he was dismissed for 49. The Australians added 143 runs in just 27 overs before Lunch, taking their total to a commanding 474. Jasprit Bumrah led the way for India’s bowling, taking four wickets, but the batsmen had already laid a solid foundation.

India Wobbly Start

In reply, the Indian innings started with Rohit Sharma steps up to open besides the form of KL Rahul. However, the election did not yield the desired results. Sharma’s stay at the crease was short-lived as he departed after just three runs, not replaced by ill-timed shots.

KL Rahul, India’s most reliable batsman of late, looked relaxed before being dismissed for tea. His string was a tough one, leaving India at a precarious 51/2 going into the last over.

Kohli Faces Hostile Reception

The final session brought a moment of controversy and drama as Virat Kohli came out to bat, only to be met with cheers from the crowd at the MCG. The unwelcome reception of the Indian charmer was in stark contrast to the usual applause he commanded on Australian soil, raising eyebrows across the cricketing ranks.

Despite the pressure, Kohli showed his mettle, but the road ahead remains tough for India as they face a tough challenge. With Cheteshwar Pujara for company, Kohli will need to lead the charge on Day 3.

Looking Ahead

India’s top scorers need to step up if they want to compete in the tournament. Much of the MCG is starting to show signs of wear and tear, making running more difficult. Australia, buoyed by their success so far, will look to capitalize on the momentum and strengthen their dominance in the tournament.

The third day promises to be a crucial one for the game. For India, it’s a chance to bounce back, with Australia looking to push for an early lead in this crucial Test.