Rohit out cheaply as Smith heroics put Australia in charge of 4th India Test

AFP/APP

Melbourne: A resurgent Steve Smith’s 34th Test century propelled Australia to a commanding 474 before Pat Cummins dismissed Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, putting the hosts in the driver’s seat in the fourth Test against India.

At tea on Day 2, the visitors were 51-2, still 423 runs behind Australia’s massive total. Yashasvi Jaiswal remained unbeaten on 23, having weathered a fiery barrage from Australia’s pace attack, while KL Rahul was bowled by Cummins for 24 just before the break.

Rohit Sharma returned to his usual role as opener after dropping to number six in the previous two Tests, but his dismal form continued. He was dismissed cheaply for just 3, spooning a pull shot off Pat Cummins straight to Boland at mid-on for a simple catch.

Australia resumed on 311-6 after an exciting opening day in which all their top four batsmen scored 50 or more, setting a solid foundation. The thrilling action also included a confrontation between Virat Kohli and debutant Sam Konstas, resulting in Kohli being fined 20 percent of his match fee for a shoulder barge.

On Day 2, Australia added another 163 runs, with Smith playing a composed knock of 140, including 13 fours and three sixes. Jasprit Bumrah took 4-99, and Ravindra Jadeja claimed 3-78 in India’s bowling attack.

Smith resumed his innings on 68, joined by Cummins on 8. The pair added 15 runs in one over off Akash Deep before Smith hooked Bumrah for a six.

Smith reached his 34th Test century with a boundary off Nitish Kumar Reddy, moving him alongside legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Brian Lara on the all-time century list. Only six players have scored more Test centuries, led by Sachin Tendulkar’s 51.

After reaching the milestone, both Smith and Cummins began attacking, but Cummins was dismissed for 49 by Reddy off Jadeja, ending their 112-run stand.

Starc was bowled by Jadeja for 15 in the first over after lunch, with Smith departing in bizarre fashion—caught behind off Deep for 140. Nathan Lyon (13) was the final wicket to fall, trapped lbw by Bumrah.

The five-match series remains tied at 1-1 after India’s dominant 295-run victory in Perth, Australia’s crushing 10-wicket win in Adelaide, and a rain-affected draw in Brisbane.