Boxing Day Test 2024: Australia vs India day two recap, highlights ...
Yashavi Jaiswal's horror run out ruined momentum for India before stumps on a day dominated by the Aussies after Steve Smith's second century of the series.
After a drought-breaking display in Brisbane, the 35-year-old backed it up at the MCG, finishing with 140 before a bizarre dismissal after lunch.
Smith's ton helped Australia to a big first innings total of 474, with skipper Pat Cummins offering plenty of support with an important 49 off 63 deliveries.
AS IT HAPPENED: Australia vs India fourth Test, day two
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Cummins took that performance with the bat into his bowling, taking the early wicket of Rohit Sharma, who is under mounting pressure after a lean trot.
Scott Boland takes a catch to dismiss Rohit Sharma. Fox Cricket
The captain would then send KL Rahul packing for 24 with an absolute seed.
"This is big, this is the captain leading from the front," Ravi Shastri said on Fox Cricket.
"Cracking delivery, that is a jaffer."
Rahul's departure would bring Virat Kohli to the crease, who has become public enemy No.1 with rival fans after his heated exchange with Sam Konstas on the opening day.
Kohli didn't let the noise impact him early on but he spent plenty of time up the other end of the pitch watching young teammate Jaiswal hit the ball to all parts of the ground.
Yashasvi Jaiswal celebrates his fifty against Australia. Getty
Jaiswal reached his half-century and looked comfortable until a moment of madness sent him packing.
With the opener on 82 he hit one to Pat Cummins at mid-on and set off straight away. Kohli didn't run down the other end and both men were stuck with Cummins throwing it to wicket-keeper Alex Carey who took the bails off.
"Disaster for India, ecstasy for Australia. That's terrible from an Indian point of view, Jaiswal can't believe it," Adam Gilchrist said on Fox Cricket.
"This is a shocker," Michael Vaughan added.
Pat Cummins (inset) celebrates running out Yashasvi Jaiswal. Fox Cricket
Jaiswal's departure came at 3-153 in the 40th over. By stumps, India were in complete disarray after Kohli and Akash Deep were both dismissed.
Kohli nicked behind off Scott Boland for 36 while Deep, who was nightwatchman, left for a duck.
India finished the day at 5-164 and trail the hosts by 310 runs, with Ravindra Jadeja (4) and Rishabh Pant (6) the not out batters.
Play will resume at 10.30am AEDT on Saturday morning.
