IND vs AUS Live: Pant, Jadeja key as India look to avoid follow-on

Former England skipper Kevin Pietersen backed Virat Kohli amid all the theatrics going on around the Indian superstar in Melbourne in the Boxing Day Test.

On the opening day of the fourth Test, Kohli had a fiery shoulder bump incident with Australian debutant Sam Konstas. Then on the second day, the 36-year-old was involved in a terrible mix-up with Yashasvi Jaiswal and then confronted booing fans after his own dismissal.

After a thrilling second day's play, Pietersen shared a social media post in which he labelled Kohli a 'showman', backing former India skipper's on-field conduct.

Kohli's conduct has become a hot topic in the ongoing fourth Test. His shoulder-charge on 19-year-old debutant Sam Konstas on the opening day resulted in a fine and a demerit point.

On Friday, Kohli batted well for his 36 before being caught behind off Scott Boland. He was dismissed shortly after a mix-up with Yashasvi Jaiswal resulted in the opener running himself out at 82.

After Australia made 474 in their first innings, riding on Steve Smith's 140, India ended Day 2 at a precarious 164 for 5, losing three quick wickets late in the day.

India are still 310 runs behind Australia.

After three Tests, the Border Gavaskar Trophy is currently tied at 1-1.

Modern-day great Virat Kohli may be struggling in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, but former Australian batter and head coach Justin Langer still regards him as the best batter he has ever witnessed.

Kohli's resilient innings ended in disappointment late on Day 2 of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday. The Indian maestro was caught behind off Scott Boland, succumbing to the tricky fourth and fifth stump line he had diligently resisted throughout his stay.

Kohli’s cautious knock of 36 off 86 balls played a pivotal role in anchoring India’s response to Australia’s formidable first-innings score of 474. His 102-run third-wicket partnership with young Yashasvi Jaiswal brought much-needed stability after the early dismissals of Rohit Sharma (3) and KL Rahul (24), keeping India in the contest.

However, the promising stand came to an unfortunate end with a mix-up between Kohli and Jaiswal, leading to the latter’s run-out for a well-compiled 82.

The setback was compounded just seven balls later when Kohli's tentative poke at an outside-off delivery from Scott Boland resulted in his dismissal. The breakthrough was a pivotal moment for Australia, marking the third time Boland has removed Kohli in just five Test innings. In those encounters, the Indian stalwart has managed only 27 runs off 73 deliveries, underscoring Boland’s dominance in this budding rivalry.

Langer, having shared the field with legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Brian Lara, and Steve Waugh, has strong reasons to support his admiration for Kohli. Such is his confidence in the Indian batting maestro that the Australian great boldly stated he would stake his life and last penny on Kohli's abilities.

"You asked me Mark why I said yesterday that Virat Kohli is the best player that I have ever seen. There were a few raised eyebrows, but he actually is. We talk about Sachin… What a player. It was one of the privileges of my life to play against Sachin Tendulkar and, of course, with Ricky Ponting and Brian Lara. If I had my last rupee or my last dollar, I would pay to watch Brian Lara bat, but if I had my life and my last dollar, and both of them together, I would have Virat Kohli batting for me," Langer said during commentary on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test.

Langer explained why he feels so, praising Kohli's work ethic, leadership qualities, and knack for delivering in high-stakes situations, qualities that have set him apart.

"The reason why I say that is not because of the expansive shots, his cover drives or his hook shots. But you just saw, the way he is watching the ball, his running between the wicket, his fielding, his gladiatorial style of leadership. His elite fitness level, everything that he's brought to the table. His numbers speak for themselves. You can never argue with data. Those are why he is the best player I have ever seen. And we have seen a lot of them. But he is the one player, I think; if I had to put my money on, he would be the one," he further said.

Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has shed light on the reason behind India captain Rohit Sharma's recent struggles with form. Gavaskar expressed apprehension about Rohit's declining reflexes during the Boxing Day Test against Australia in Melbourne.

The former Indian captain observed notable issues with the 37-year-old's footwork, which have become particularly noticeable throughout the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The strategic move to open the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal in the fourth Test, while shifting KL Rahul to the third position, proved unsuccessful for Rohit. His brief stint at the crease lasted merely 12 deliveries, yielding just three runs before Pat Cummins claimed his wicket in India's first innings.

The dismissal occurred when Rohit attempted to execute a half-pull shot to a short-of-length delivery outside the off stump, resulting in a top edge that was caught by Scott Boland at mid-on. Gavaskar noted this dismissal as unusual for Rohit, emphasising his continued difficulties against Cummins's bowling.

"That's a shot that he normally plays. The half-pull off the front foot. I think he probably got in two minds whether to go for the proper pull shot or not and then ended up just trying to tap it like catching practice. But that's what happens when you have a gap, when you're 36, 37 years old and you have a long gap between playing cricket," Gavaskar said on Star Sports on Rohit's dismissal.

In Test cricket, Cummins has proven to be particularly effective against Rohit, having secured his wicket on seven occasions. The Australian captain's superiority is evident in the numbers - he has restricted Rohit to just 127 runs from 199 balls. These statistics clearly demonstrate the Indian skipper's struggles when facing the Australian fast bowler in the longest format of the game.

"That is the reason why you're seeing that there is probably not the same sort of footwork as you would expect, because your body is such as you get older. It reacts just a little bit slower. You know, the mind is there. Everything the mind tells you, but the body just doesn't do that. So, if you're being continuous at the age of 37, regularly, no problem. Because you know your bat-speed, everything. The moment you have a break, you must be very, very careful, very, very mindful," he added.

At the close of play on Day 2, India reached 164/5, trailing Australia's substantial first-innings score of 474 by 310 runs. Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja remained unbeaten with scores of six and four respectively.

Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar weighed in on young batter Yashasvi Jaiswal’s unfortunate run-out during the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Speaking on Star Sports, Gavaskar explained that the mix-up between the India opener and Virat Kohli could have been avoided hadn't the former spent his seconds watching the fielders.

"It would have been a quick run, and somebody like Virat Kohli would definitely have made it. But the thing was, he looked at the fielder. When you look at the fielder, when you turn, you've lost that vital second. And so naturally, you then think, 'No, I want to be able to make it.' Your balance is completely off. And it would have been a tight run. I think at that stage, why do you need to take a run that carries an element of risk? You're batting well, runs are coming," Gavaskar remarked.

"At that stage, the risk was not really necessary. But it could have been completed only because Kohli is such a fantastic runner between the wickets."

Before the run-out, Jaiswal had been anchoring the Indian innings brilliantly, amassing 82 runs off 118 balls with 11 fours and one six.

The talented opener seemed poised for a major milestone as he neared a well-deserved century.

However, disaster struck late in the day as a mix-up with Kohli led to his dismissal.

The incident unfolded when Jaiswal drove a full delivery from Scott Boland to mid-on and set off for a quick single.

Kohli, however, held back, momentarily ball-watching. Pat Cummins pounced on the opportunity with a direct throw attempt that missed, but 'keeper Alex Carey capitalised on the chaos, collecting the ball and completing the run-out.

The dismissal proved costly, triggering a mini-collapse in the Indian batting lineup. From a strong position at 153/2, India stumbled to 164/5 by stumps on Day 2.

Nightwatchman Akash Deep fell for a duck, and the visitors faced a daunting deficit of 310 runs, with 111 needed to avoid the follow-on.

In just 28 deliveries, India lost the advantage they had built for most of the afternoon at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). From a solid 153/2, the visitors collapsed to 159/5 in what was a mad period of 30 minutes on Day 2 of the ongoing Boxing Day Test between India and Australia.

Yashasvi Jaiswal called for a run which was always going to be tight, Virat Kohli nicked one outside off after showing a lot of character during his 86-ball 36 and Rishabh Pant showed zero game awareness when he exposed nightwatchman Akash Deep in front of Scott Boland.

It could have been a different story and a much better ending to the day for the visitors but that period of chaos has now put Australia in the driving seat as they still have a 310-run lead, and are just one wicket away from exposing India's lower-order.
The momentum switched sides at a rapid pace, largely due to India's own mistakes, as they handed over the day to Australia on a platter. Jaiswal and Kohli had done all the hard work with their 102-run stand but the adrenaline rush got the better of the left-hander who went for a needless single off the last delivery of the 41st over.

Jaiswal was batting beautifully and switched gears after completing his half-century as the runs came at a brisk pace after reaching the milestone. Before the mix-up, he had two boundaries and a six, and was in no mood to play for the clock. Just 18 short of what could have been his second hundred of the series, Jaiswal wanted the strike back to possibly have a crack at three-figures before stumps but mix-up not only cost him the wicket but also triggered a collapse.

After just 12 deliveries, Kohli poked at a Boland delivery outside the off-stump and night watchman Akash Deep lasted only 13 balls before India lost their third in quick succession.

Prior to that, it was India all the way as both Jaiswal and Kohli saw off the challenging period and were looking to cash in as the ball got softer. Kohli, in particular, looked very solid and was comfortably shouldering arms to deliveries he had been otherwise chased in the series. Every time Australia bowlers tempted him for one, Kohli let it go to the wicket-keeper and smiled back.

The plan was not a top secret anymore but Kohli had trained his mind better for the fourth Test. He kept leaving, drove deliveries which were under his eye and made the bowlers bowl more towards his body.

In the post-day press conference, Steve Smith lavished praise on the India batter and felt he was looking good for the big one. Not just Kohli, Jaiswal was looking in an ominous mood after seeing off the testing period with the new ball but that mix-up came at the worst possible time for India.

There is still some batting left but India need to bat out of their skins to make a contest out of this fixture now. They had it in control for most of the afternoon session but small lapses in concentration reduced them to 164/5 at stumps. Those small lapses are expected to have a big impact on the outcome of the game.

A familiar collapse unfolded for India as they were left reeling at 164/5 on day two of the fourth Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday. The turning point came with the inexplicable run-out of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was in sublime touch. A mix-up with Virat Kohli while attempting a quick single allowed Pat Cummins to effect a sharp run-out, shattering the momentum.

With a 310-run deficit and a follow-on looming on a benign batting track, India face an uphill battle against a resurgent Australian attack led by Scott Boland and Cummins.

Jaiswal run out sparks batting collapse

A moment of miscommunication brought Jaiswal's sublime innings to a halt, triggering a dramatic Indian collapse on day two of the fourth Test. Jaiswal, who looked destined for a century with a fluent 82 off 118 balls, was run out after a mix-up with Kohli while attempting a quick single. Kohli, caught in two minds, retreated too late as Cummins' direct throw ended Jaiswal’s stay.

Seven balls later, Kohli himself perished, poking at a Scott Boland delivery outside off-stump, ending his disciplined knock of 36. Nightwatchman Akash Deep was dismissed in the penultimate over of the day, leaving India precariously placed at 164/5, still trailing by 310 runs.

Jaiswal-Kohli partnership offers hope

India’s hopes rested on the resilient partnership between Jaiswal and Kohli, who added 102 runs for the third wicket. After KL Rahul’s (24) dismissal to a sharp Cummins delivery, Jaiswal and Kohli combined to steady the ship with confident strokeplay and solid defense. Jaiswal, in particular, impressed with his fluent drives, cuts, and pulls, amassing 11 fours and a six.

However, the young opener’s run-out not only ended his innings but also derailed India’s momentum, as wickets tumbled rapidly thereafter.

Rohit Sharma fails as opener

Skipper Rohit Sharma’s move to open the innings backfired spectacularly. He was dismissed for just three runs in the second over, top-edging a pull shot off Cummins. Scott Boland took an easy catch, leaving India 8/1 early in their reply to Australia’s massive first-innings total.

Aussie tail wags to extend lead

Australia, resuming at 311/6 overnight, added crucial runs through their lower order, reaching 474 before being bowled out. Steve Smith and Pat Cummins frustrated the Indian bowlers with a 112-run partnership for the seventh wicket, pushing the score past 400.

India managed a brief fightback post-lunch, picking up the last three wickets for just 20 runs, but by then the damage was done. Smith was eventually dismissed for a superb 140, bowled by Akash Deep after a mistimed charge.

Steve Smith’s record hundred

Smith’s 34th Test century was the cornerstone of Australia’s innings. Starting the day on 68, he took control of the proceedings with a mix of caution and aggression, becoming the first batter to score 11 Test centuries against India. Smith’s efforts, combined with Cummins’ gritty 49, ensured Australia posted a formidable total on a batting-friendly surface.

Hello and welcome to the Live coverage of Day 3 of the fourth Test match between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli built a solid 102-run partnership for the third wicket, raising hopes of a strong Indian response on day two of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. However, a dramatic late collapse saw India finish the day at 164/5 in 46 overs, trailing Australia by 310 runs.

Australia, powered by Steve Smith’s brilliant 140—his 34th Test hundred and 11th against India—amassed a formidable first-innings total of 474. The massive crowd of 85,147 witnessed Jaiswal and Kohli batting with poise and control. Jaiswal combined caution and aggression effectively, while Kohli exuded composure at the crease, hinting they could see India through to stumps.

But fortunes turned dramatically. Jaiswal’s well-crafted 82 ended in a disastrous run-out after a mix-up with Kohli. The collapse gained momentum as Kohli edged behind for 36, and nightwatchman Akash Deep fell shortly after, taking India from 151/2 to 159/5 in quick succession. Ravindra Jadeja (4*) and Rishabh Pant (6*) were left to steady the innings, with the immediate task of avoiding the follow-on by scoring 111 more runs.

Earlier in the day, Smith resumed his innings on 68 and showcased a masterclass in Test batting. Unfazed by India’s tight lines, he hooked, drove, and sliced his way to another MCG century, embellished with 13 boundaries and three sixes. He received vital support from Pat Cummins (49) and Mitchell Starc (15), forging partnerships of 112 and 44 runs respectively, to wear down the Indian attack.

Jasprit Bumrah stood out with figures of 4/99, while Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with three wickets, including dismissing Starc and Nathan Lyon to wrap up Australia’s innings in 122.4 overs. Smith’s departure, in an unusual fashion after a bottom edge trickled onto the stumps, was a momentary respite for India.

India’s reply got off to a rocky start as Rohit Sharma’s lean patch continued. He managed just three runs, mistiming a pull shot off Cummins to be caught at mid-on. Yashasvi Jaiswal looked assured from the start, driving and ramping with flair. KL Rahul played some delightful shots, including three elegant boundaries, before Cummins produced a beauty to dismiss him for 24 just before tea.

In the final session, Jaiswal and Kohli steadied the ship. Jaiswal reached his fifty with a mix of crisp drives and confident strokes, while Kohli played with characteristic patience, leaving deliveries outside off and punishing anything loose. Australia’s short-ball tactics against Kohli bore no fruit as he handled them with calm precision.

Just as India seemed poised for a strong finish, Jaiswal’s run-out triggered a collapse. Kohli soon followed, edging behind off Scott Boland, who then dismissed Akash Deep with a sharp delivery that was caught brilliantly at leg gully.

Though Jadeja ended the day with a boundary off Starc, the momentum had firmly shifted to Australia, who will look to capitalize on the late breakthroughs and secure a commanding lead on day three.