In a dramatic turn during the fourth Test match against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Yashasvi JaiswalThe promising entries were cut short due to a catastrophic mix-up with Virat Kohli. With Jaiswal on 82 and the duo having built a solid 102-run partnership, the incident not only ended their innings but also triggered a collapse that left India reeling at the end of Day 2.
The confusion between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli
Jaiswal, on the eve of his 23rd birthday, was in sublime form, displaying a mix of aggression and finesse that had fans and teammates alike optimistic about a potential century. His innings included 11 boundaries and sixes, showcasing his ability to dominate both pace and spin. Along with Kohli, the pair had lifted India from a precarious position of 51 for 2 to a more stable 153 for 2, seemingly leading the team towards a respectable total in response to Australia’s first innings score of 474.
However, disaster struck on the last ball of 41, bowled by Scott Boland. Jaiswal threw the ball towards middle and instinctively called for a run. Kohli, however, hesitated and turned around, leading to confusion as both players found themselves at the same end of the field. The Australian fielders seized the opportunity and completed an easy outing that left Jaiswal visibly frustrated as he walked back to the pavilion.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Fans mercilessly roast Virat Kohli after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s unfortunate exit on Day 2 of Melbourne Test
Here is the video:
A massive mix-up between Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal sees Jaiswal run out for 82! #AUSWIND | #GameOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/a9G4uZwYIk
– cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 27, 2024
A collapse in momentum
The exit turned out to be a crucial moment of the match. Just seven balls later, Kohli himself fell victim to Boland’s bowling, managing to deliver a delivery to the keeper. Alex Carey after scoring only 36 runs. This sequence of events marked a significant shift in momentum; India went from looking set for a strong finish to losing three wickets in just 11 runs before stumps.
as night watchman Deep Akash came in to bat, he too quickly succumbed to Boland’s bowling, leaving India struggling at 164 for 5 at the end of Day 2. The team’s hopes now rested on Ravindra Jadeja and RISHABH PANTS as they faced an uphill battle heading into Day 3, still trailing by 310 runs.
With Jadeja and Pant at the crease, fans will expect resilience and determination from the duo as they try to regain some pride after what has been a tumultuous day at the MCG. The implications of this match situation will be closely monitored, particularly how it affects the team dynamic in this crucial Test series against Australia.