Perth: Australia took control of the fourth Test against India on Friday, thanks to Steve Smith’s brilliant 140, his 34th Test century, and a strong performance from the fast bowlers. After posting a commanding 474 in their first innings, Australia reduced India to 164-5 by the end of day two, leaving the hosts trailing by 310 runs.
Smith’s century anchored Australia’s innings, supported by a quick-fire 49 from captain Pat Cummins. The pair added 112 runs for the seventh wicket, with Cummins falling to Ravindra Jadeja. Smith’s innings featured 13 fours and three sixes and was crucial in Australia’s dominant position. He reached his milestone with a boundary off Nitish Kumar Reddy, joining cricket legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Brian Lara with his 34th century.
India’s response faltered early with three quick wickets in the final half-hour. Rohit Sharma continued his poor form, falling for just three, while KL Rahul was dismissed for 24 by Cummins. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had been playing a steady hand, fell for 82 after a mix-up with Virat Kohli, breaking their 102-run partnership. Kohli was dismissed for 36 by Scott Boland, who later removed nightwatchman Akash Deep for a duck.
Australia’s bowlers, led by Boland and Cummins, put India on the back foot. Cummins and Boland each claimed two wickets, while Jadeja removed Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon in Australia’s lower order.
Read More: Australia Reclaims Top Spot in World Test Championship After Victory Over India
The series remains tied at 1-1, with the third Test drawn due to rain and the first two matches producing one-sided results—India’s 295-run victory in Perth and Australia’s 10-wicket triumph in Adelaide. India will need a strong performance on day three to stay in the match.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.