In front of a massive crowd of over 66,000 spectators at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Australia secured a remarkable victory against India, winning by 184 runs to take a 2-1 lead in the series. The dramatic final session saw Australia dismantle India’s batting lineup, claiming seven wickets for just 34 runs.
The Turning Point. The match turned decisively in Australia’s favor shortly after the Tea break. India’s wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, who had displayed patience during the middle session, succumbed to a reckless shot. Attempting to hit a half-tracker from part-time spinner Travis Head, Pant holed out to Mitchell Marsh at long-on. This moment triggered a collapse that India could not recover from, losing two more wickets within the next 27 deliveries.
Scott Boland struck by forcing Ravindra Jadeja to fend at a rising delivery, edging it to the wicketkeeper. Nathan Lyon added to India’s woes, dismissing first-innings centurion Nitish Reddy for just one run. From a stable 121/3, India plunged to 130/6, shifting the momentum entirely towards the Australians.
Australia Tightens the Noose. With five close-in fielders crowding the bat, Washington Sundar and Yashasvi Jaiswal faced a fired-up Australian attack. Sam Konstas, fielding at silly point, kept up constant chatter to unsettle the Indian batsmen. Pat Cummins, reintroducing himself into the attack, delivered a critical blow by dismissing Jaiswal. Attempting a pull shot, Jaiswal gloved the ball to the wicketkeeper. Though the initial on-field decision was not out, a review revealed a clear trajectory deflection, leading to the dismissal.
The collapse continued as Akash Deep edged a Boland delivery to Travis Head at forward short leg. India’s resistance crumbled further with Jasprit Bumrah edging Boland to Steve Smith at slip, and Lyon sealing the victory by trapping Mohammed Siraj leg-before.
Early Woes for India. India’s struggles began in the opening session. Captain Rohit Sharma fell early, edging a full delivery from Cummins to gully. KL Rahul, facing a near-unplayable delivery from Cummins, followed soon after. Virat Kohli’s dismissal, chasing a wide delivery just before Lunch, compounded India’s troubles.
Despite a defiant partnership between Jaiswal and Pant during the second session, which briefly raised hopes of a draw, India’s lower order proved incapable of holding off Australia’s relentless attack. By the final session, Australia’s bowlers, backed by sharp fielding, closed out the match with ease.
Match Highlights and Statistics
- Australia’s First Innings: 474 (Steve Smith 140, Marnus Labuschagne 72; Jasprit Bumrah 4-99)
- India’s First Innings: 369 (Nitish Reddy 114, Yashasvi Jaiswal 82, Washington Sundar 50; Scott Boland 3-57, Pat Cummins 3-89, Nathan Lyon 3-96)
- Australia’s Second Innings: 234 (Marnus Labuschagne 70; Jasprit Bumrah 5-56, Mohammed Siraj 3-70)
- India’s Second Innings: 155 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 84; Pat Cummins 3-28, Scott Boland 3-39, Nathan Lyon 2-37)
Australian skipper Pat Cummins hailed his team’s resilience and tactical execution. “This victory showcases the grit and determination of this group. Everyone stepped up when it mattered most,” Cummins said.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma reflected on the defeat, admitting to critical lapses. “We need to address our batting collapses and execute better under pressure. Full credit to Australia for their performance,” he remarked.
Australia’s comprehensive victory highlighted their dominance in both bowling and fielding. With the series now leaning in Australia’s favor, India faces an uphill battle to level the series in the final Test. The thrilling contest at the MCG not only underscored the importance of seizing key moments but also set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the series.
