In a dramatic twist during the fourth Test match against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Yashasvi Jaiswal‘s promising innings was cut short due to a catastrophic mix-up with Virat Kohli. With Jaiswal on 82 and the duo having built a solid partnership of 102 runs, the incident not only ended his innings but also triggered a collapse that left India reeling at the close of Day 2.
The mix up between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli
Jaiswal, on the eve of his 23rd birthday, was in sublime form, displaying a blend of aggression and finesse that had fans and teammates alike optimistic about a potential century. His innings included 11 boundaries and a six, showcasing his ability to dominate both pace and spin. Together with Kohli, the pair had lifted India from a precarious position of 51 for 2 to a more stable 153 for 2, seemingly steering the team towards a respectable total in response to Australia’s first innings score of 474.
However, disaster struck on the final ball of the 41st over bowled by Scott Boland. Jaiswal flicked the ball towards mid-on and instinctively called for a run. Kohli, however, hesitated and turned back, leading to confusion as both players found themselves at the same end of the pitch. The Australian fielders seized the opportunity, completing an easy run-out 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 run-out on Day 2 of the Melbourne Test
Here’s the video:
A massive mix-up between Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal sees Jaiswal run out for 82! #AUSvIND | #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/a9G4uZwYIk
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 27, 2024
A collapse in momentum
The run-out proved to be a pivotal moment in the match. Just seven balls later, Kohli himself fell victim to Boland’s bowling, edging a delivery to wicketkeeper Alex Carey after scoring only 36 runs. This sequence of events marked a significant shift in momentum; India went from looking poised for a strong finish to losing three wickets for just 11 runs before stumps.
As nightwatchman Akash Deep came in to bat, he too succumbed quickly 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 Pant as they faced an uphill battle going into Day 3, still trailing by 310 runs.
With Jadeja and Pant at the crease, fans will be hoping for resilience and determination from the duo as they aim to restore some pride after what has been a tumultuous day at the MCG. The fallout from this match situation will be closely watched, particularly in how it affects team dynamics moving forward in this crucial Test series against Australia.
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