Fri Dec 27 17:37:01 UTC 2024: **India’s Kohli, Jaiswal Run-Out Costs Them in Melbourne Test**
Melbourne, Australia – A crucial run-out involving Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal swung the momentum in Australia’s favor on Day 2 of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The incident, which saw Jaiswal run out after a mix-up with Kohli, ended a vital 102-run partnership and left India struggling at 164/5, still trailing by 310 runs at stumps.
Jaiswal, who scored 82, and Kohli (36) had dominated the Australian bowlers for much of the session, displaying a blend of caution and aggression. However, their partnership came to an abrupt end when Jaiswal attempted a quick single, with Kohli appearing to momentarily lose track of the ball and the situation.
Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar criticized the risky single, suggesting Kohli’s hesitation after looking towards the fielder cost them the run. He believed the run was achievable given Kohli’s speed, but the delay caused by ball-watching proved fatal. Former Australia coach Justin Langer echoed this sentiment, praising Pat Cummins’ athleticism in executing the run-out and highlighting the unnecessary risk involved in the attempted single given India’s position in the game.
The run-out proved a turning point, as Kohli soon followed Jaiswal back to the pavilion. India will need a strong performance from Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja, who remained unbeaten at the close of play, to avoid a significant first-innings deficit.
First Piper 