A thrilling day of Test cricket occurred at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), concluding in a stunning Australian victory that placed them up 2-1 in the series against India. An audience of approximately 66,000 watched an incredible Indian collapse in the last session, giving the hosts a well-deserved victory.
India, chasing a target of 340, faced an uphill task from the start. The Australian pace attack, headed by Pat Cummins and Scott Boland, got an early breakthrough, removing Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli cheaply. Rohit’s difficulties in the series continued as he was bowled for just nine runs, while Rahul went for a duck. Kohli’s fragility outside off-stump was highlighted once more, when he edged a ball to the slips for only five runs.
A ray of hope appeared for India in the middle session, owing to a tenacious combination between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant. The two teamed for an 88-run partnership, providing much-needed steadiness to the Indian innings. Jaiswal, who kept his cool throughout the innings, scored 84 off 208 balls. However, Pant’s departure after tea proved to be the tipping factor. Pant attempted an ambitious shot off part-timer Travis Head, but holed out to Mitchell Marsh at long-on, resulting in a spectacular collapse.
The Australian bowlers seized the initiative, landing three fast strikes. Scott Boland forced an edge from Ravindra Jadeja, while Nathan Lyon removed first-inning centurion Nitish Reddy for one run. India fell from 121/3 to 130/6, giving Australia a chance of win.
Washington Sundar, struggling with close-in fielders gathering around him, attempted to turn the tide. However, the strain increased as wickets began to tumble. Jaiswal was penalised for being caught behind Cummins, which sparked controversy. Despite Snicko’s lack of a major spike, the third umpire reversed the on-field ruling due to a clear change in the ball’s trajectory, significantly undermining India’s chances.
The last moments of the match were tight, with Australia chasing the remaining wickets and India urgently attempting to survive. Boland took the important wicket of Akash Deep before dismissing Jasprit Bumrah. Lyon then clinched the deal by catching Mohammed Siraj leg before, eliciting wild cheers from the Australian players and supporters.
Early Wickets: Australia’s new-ball bowlers delivered key blows, eliminating India’s top order cheaply.
Jaiswal-Pant Partnership:The 88-run stand gave India a short glimmer of hope.
Pant’s Dismissal:Pant’s reckless shot after tea caused a dramatic collapse.
Controversial Decision:The third umpire’s decision to dismiss Jaiswal for being caught behind prompted controversy.
Australian Bowling Performance:Cummins, Boland, and Lyon bowled superbly, putting continual pressure on the Indian batters.
Australia 1st Innings Fall of wickets: 1-89 (Sam Konstas – 19.2 ov), 2-154 (Usman Khawaja – 44.1 ov), 3-237 (Marnus Labuschagne – 65.1 ov), 4-240 (Travis Head – 66.3 ov), 5-246 (Mitchell Marsh – 68.6 ov), 6-299 (Alex Carey – 82.1 ov), 7-411 (Pat Cummins – 104.1 ov), 8-455 (Mitchell Starc – 113.3 ov), 9-455 (Steven Smith – 114.1 ov), 10-474 (Nathan Lyon – 122.4 ov)
India 1st Innings Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Rohit Sharma – 1.6 ov), 2-51 (KL Rahul – 14.6 ov), 3-153 (Yashasvi Jaiswal – 40.6 ov), 4-154 (Virat Kohli – 42.1 ov), 5-159 (Akash Deep – 44.3 ov), 6-191 (Rishabh Pant – 55.4 ov), 7-221 (Ravindra Jadeja – 64.5 ov), 8-348 (Washington Sundar – 111.6 ov), 9-350 (Jasprit Bumrah – 113.3 ov), 10-369 (Nitish Kumar Reddy – 119.3 ov)
Australia 2nd Innings Fall of wickets: 1-20 (Sam Konstas – 6.3 ov), 2-43 (Usman Khawaja – 18.5 ov), 3-80 (Steven Smith – 32.3 ov), 4-85 (Travis Head – 33.2 ov), 5-85 (Mitchell Marsh – 33.6 ov), 6-91 (Alex Carey – 35.6 ov), 7-148 (Marnus Labuschagne – 55.1 ov), 8-156 (Mitchell Starc – 58.1 ov), 9-173 (Pat Cummins – 64.1 ov), 10-234 (Nathan Lyon – 83.4 ov)
India 2nd Innings Fall of wickets: 1-25 (Rohit Sharma – 16.1 ov), 2-25 (KL Rahul – 16.6 ov), 3-33 (Virat Kohli – 26.1 ov), 4-121 (Rishabh Pant – 58.4 ov), 5-127 (Ravindra Jadeja – 62.2 ov), 6-130 (Nitish Kumar Reddy – 63.2 ov), 7-140 (Yashasvi Jaiswal – 70.5 ov), 8-150 (Akash Deep – 76.1 ov), 9-154 (Jasprit Bumrah – 78.3 ov), 10-155 (Mohammed Siraj – 79.1 ov)
Australia triumphed by 184 runs to take a 2-1 lead in the series.
Pos | Team | Matches | Won | Lost | Drawn | NR | Points | PCT |
1 | South Africa (Q) | 11 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 88 | 66.67% |
2 | Australia | 16 | 10 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 118 | 62.11% |
3 | India | 18 | 9 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 114 | 52.77% |
4 | New Zealand | 14 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 81 | 48.21% |
5 | Sri Lanka | 11 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 60 | 45.45% |
6 | England | 22 | 11 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 114 | 43.18% |
7 | Bangladesh | 12 | 4 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 31.25% |
8 | Pakistan | 11 | 4 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 40 | 30.30% |
9 | West Indies | 11 | 2 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 32 | 24.24% |
The MCG Test was an exciting battle full of twists and turns. Australia’s bowling assault was too powerful for India in the last session, resulting in a spectacular triumph. While India showed signs of resiliency, their batting collapse cost them the game. The series now continues to Sydney for the final Test, where Australia has a significant lead.
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