Fri Dec 27 04:15:28 UTC 2024: ## Australia Dominates Day 2 at MCG, Setting India a Mountain to Climb

**Melbourne, Australia:** Australia extended their dominance over India on Day 2 of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), setting a challenging 474-run target after a stunning batting display. Steve Smith led the charge, scoring a masterful 140 before falling in a bizarre fashion, his inside edge deflecting off his pads onto the stumps.

Smith and Pat Cummins (49) formed the backbone of Australia’s innings, adding a crucial 112-run partnership that effectively stifled India’s hopes of a quick breakthrough. Earlier, teenage debutant Sam Konstas had also impressed with a rapid 60, further frustrating the Indian bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah, despite a tireless 28.4-over spell, could only manage four wickets for 99 runs.

India’s response began disastrously. Captain Rohit Sharma, promoted to opener, was dismissed for 3 in the second over, playing a poor pull shot. This early setback compounded the pressure on the already struggling Indian batting lineup.

While India managed to claw back some momentum late in the Australian innings, dismissing Alex Carey (47) thanks to a stunning delivery by Akash Deep and then the tailenders, the damage had already been done. The day concluded with India on 311/6, still a significant distance behind Australia’s mammoth total. The remaining two days will test India’s resilience as they face a formidable challenge. The MCG pitch is expected to become increasingly challenging for batters as the match progresses.

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