Fri Dec 27 05:55:44 UTC 2024: ## Katich Slams Rohit Sharma’s Captaincy After Poor First Session in MCG Test
**Melbourne, Australia** – Former Australian cricketer Simon Katich heavily criticized Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s leadership during the first session of day two in the fourth Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Katich described India’s performance as being “bullied” by the Australians, citing a lack of proactive captaincy from Sharma.
Australia, having already posted a 300+ score on day one, continued their dominance in the second day’s opening session. Steve Smith (140) and Pat Cummins (49) spearheaded Australia’s charge, accumulating runs at over five runs per over. Smith’s masterful century, his 34th in Test cricket, was a particular highlight, leaving Katich to describe it as a “masterclass.” The session ended with Australia at 454/7.
While India fought back on day one, taking six wickets, their performance in the first session of day two was deemed unacceptable by Katich, who stated that Sharma’s reactive approach left the team appearing disorganized. Australia eventually declared at 474.
Smith’s performance against India continues to be exceptional. His century on day two brought his tally of centuries against India to 11 in 43 innings, surpassing Joe Root’s 10 centuries in 55 innings. His overall record against India is equally impressive, boasting 2305 runs at an average of 64.02, including 11 centuries and five fifties. He’s also the first player to reach 10 centuries in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Jasprit Bumrah was India’s leading wicket-taker with 4/99, supported by Ravindra Jadeja (3/78) and Akash Deep (2/94).
First Piper 