India vs Australia highlights, 4th Test Day 2: India 164/5 at stumps, trail by 310 runs at MCG

On the second day of the fourth Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Indian cricket team wore black armbands to pay tribute to Dr. Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister of India, who passed away in New Delhi.

Dr. Singh, who served as India’s Prime Minister for two consecutive terms from 2004 to 2014, passed away at the age of 92 on March 14. His death occurred at AIIMS after he fell unconscious at his residence, reportedly due to health issues linked to his advanced age.

"The Indian team is wearing black arm bands as a mark of respect in the memory of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh, who passed away," the BCCI stated.

A renowned economist, Dr. Singh is credited with spearheading the 1991 economic reforms that helped India overcome a severe financial crisis. His policies introduced economic liberalization, laying the foundation for India’s rapid economic growth in subsequent decades.

The Australian team resumed play on day two with their overnight score of 311/6 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Steve Smith 1st innings scores vs India at home in red ball Tests

162*
133
192
117
0
131
36
0
101
103*

When 19-year-old Sam Konstas took strike against Jasprit Bumrah on the opening day of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the debutant was caught on camera muttering words to himself as the bowler steamed in. This habit persisted against every bowler, be it Bumrah or Mohammed Siraj, drawing curiosity from fans and commentators alike.

Australia’s decision to field Konstas for the final two matches of the Border-Gavaskar series proved to be a tactical masterstroke. The fearless teenager overcame a few early jitters to play a scintillating knock of 60 off 65 balls on debut.

Konstas didn’t shy away from taking on India’s star bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, unleashing a mix of innovative scoops, daring pulls, and unpolished slogs. His counterattacking approach rattled the Indian bowling attack, setting the stage for Australia’s strong start.

Although his innings ended when Ravindra Jadeja trapped him lbw after the second drinks break, Konstas walked off to a standing ovation. His 52-ball half-century became the third fastest by an Australian debutant.

Rohit Sharma is undoubtedly going through a tough twilight period of his cricket career both as a captain as well as a batter. He will look to resurrect it by possibly returning to his customary position as an opener in the ongoing Melbourne Test in hope of runs that help him regain confidence and poise as a leader.

With India's No. 3 Shubman Gill dropped from the eleven for an extra spin-bowling all-rounder in the form of Washington Sundar, KL Rahul will in all probability play the role of one-down batter, allowing Rohit to open again in Melbourne, and in the last Test at Sydney. Those four possible innings, believes former England spinner Monty Panesar, will be make-or-break knocks for the Indian captain's Test career.

"I think that (to open batting again) is the only option for Rohit," said Panesar, talking to Timesofindia.com from London. "To be honest, he's got four innings to save his Test career. If he doesn't perform that well, I think he will probably retire as well."

If that happens, it will be the second high-profile retirement of the series, with off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin hanging his boots after the third Test in Brisbane, quitting international cricket with immediate effect.

If India fail to qualify for the World Test Championship final, their next Test assignment will be the five-Test tour of England in June-July 2025. For Rohit to play that, if he wants to, Panesar believes he will have to fire in Melbourne and Sydney.

"...With the five Test matches in England, I think Rohit should probably take the ownership and say 'right, you know, (in) overseas Test matches I have got to perform like I do...be aggressive, take it on'," said Panesar.

"If he does that, I think he will probably carry on as captain. But if he fails, I think he will be the first one to stand up and say, 'guys, I think I am done, and you have got to move on with the new team'. Especially with five Test matches in England, you have got to build a new side."

The five-Test Border Gavaskar Trophy stands at 1-1 after three Tests, which means a win in Melbourne will ensure that India won't lose the series and thus remain the title-holders. But Australia have done well to reach 311 for 6 at stumps on day one.

If India can take the last four wickets quickly to wrap up the Australian first innings for under 350 and then the visitors' top order bats well, it will be game on.

"It's a big, big innings for him (Rohit) in Melbourne...I think especially that first innings is a big one for him. He's got to show good intent and start well because Australia are going to come out not holding back now," said the 42-year-old former left-arm spinner, who played 50 Tests for England.