Run-Out Disrupts India's Flow as Australia Seizes Control on Day 2

Day 2 of the Melbourne Test saw Australia post a massive total, anchored by a brilliant century from Steve Smith. Meanwhile, a crucial run-out abruptly halted India’s strong batting momentum, shifting the game's balance. As a result, Australia once again seized the upper hand, finishing the day firmly in control with a commanding position, leaving India to regroup ahead of the upcoming challenges.

Yashasvi and Virat’s Stand

India had set a substantial total on the board, necessitating a cautious approach to avoid losing easy wickets. However, the opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal did not adopt this mindset. Rohit Sharma continued his poor form, scoring only 3 runs before being straightforwardly dismissed by Pat Cummins, attempting to pull a ball that was swinging away. 

KL Rahul then came in, and along with Jaiswal, brought India back on track. They were timing their shots beautifully until Cummins bowled a stunning delivery to dismiss KL Rahul for 24 runs off 42 balls, leaving India at 51 runs with 2 wickets down. 

Virat Kohli entered the crease next and formed a fantastic partnership with Jaiswal. Both players were in great form, with Jaiswal taking aggressive shots and Kohli showing improved control outside off-stump, leaving most deliveries alone. Kohli executed his trademark cover drive, energizing the crowd and boosting his confidence. Meanwhile, Jaiswal appeared well-settled, frequently finding the boundary. The runs flowed steadily, as the pair accumulated over 102 runs in their partnership.

Huge Mix-up

Things were going well for India until a mix-up occurred between Jaiswal and Virat Kohli. Jaiswal hit the ball towards mid-on and ran, but Kohli, who was watching the ball, didn't notice that Jaiswal was halfway down the track. As a result, Australia secured an easy wicket, dismissing Jaiswal for 82 runs off 118 balls. He missed out on a well-deserved century, and this moment allowed Australia to get back into the game.

OFF-Side Trap Continues

Virat Kohli, who had been confidently leaving outside off deliveries, found himself trapped when he lost concentration. Just three balls later, Scott Boland dismissed him after Kohli edged the ball outside off, resulting in his wicket for 36 runs off 86 balls. This lapse in concentration led to a mini-collapse, especially after Akash Deep, who was sent in as the nightwatchman to stabilize the innings, also lost his wicket. As a result, India's score fell from 152/2 to 164/5, with Scott Boland orchestrating Australia's comeback in the match, allowing them to end the day on a high note.

The flow had been going well for India, with both Virat and Jaiswal setting a solid tone. However, the timing of the wickets proved unfortunate and significantly impacted India's chances in this Test match. With Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja at the crease, they must put forth a substantial effort to give India a fighting chance in this Boxing Day Test.

At the close of Day 2, Australia holds a commanding position, having built a formidable total and taken crucial breakthroughs. Despite a strong start with the bat, India’s momentum was disrupted by the run-out, leaving them with a tough task ahead. To mount a successful comeback, India will need to regroup and show resilience, with key players like Jaiswal and Kohli needing to lead from the front. Australia, however, remains firmly in control, and India must work harder to fight back in this crucial Test.