India's Early Woes as Rohit and Rahul Fall After Australia’s 474
Rohit Sharma’s return to the top order was short-lived as he fell in just the second over of India’s chase of Australia’s imposing 474. KL Rahul looked steady alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, but his hopes were dashed when a superb Pat Cummins delivery had him caught off guard, knocking back his off-stump just before Tea.
Australia resumed after an eventful morning session at 454/7, but lost two quick wickets. Mitchell Starc was bowled by Ravindra Jadeja in the first over after lunch, playing down the wrong line. Then, in the very next over, Steve Smith’s century came to an unexpected end. Attempting a big shot off Akash Deep, Smith’s ball ricocheted off his leg, dislodging a bail and sending him back to the pavilion.
Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon provided some resistance in a final-wicket stand lasting eight overs, but Lyon was eventually dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah, wrapping up the innings at 474.
India’s response faltered early, with Rohit caught pulling a delivery that was too full, giving Boland a simple catch at mid-on. Rahul looked solid but was undone by an unplayable delivery from Cummins that straightened off a length, leaving India at 51/2 as they headed into Tea, already 423 runs behind.
The morning session had seen Smith reach his 34th Test century, his 11th against India, as Australia dominated. India’s bowlers were sloppy and inconsistent, and Cummins added to the pressure with a quick-fire 49 before falling to Jadeja.
