On Day 2 of the fourth Test match against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Indian cricket squad wore black armbands as a heartfelt respect to former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. This gesture was made in remembrance of Dr. Singh, who passed away on December 26 at the age of 92. Adam Gilchrist, a former cricket player for Australia, stated the cause during commentary during Day 2’s opening over.
As both Australian openers scored half-centuries each, Indian had a difficult start to the Test match.
Sam Konstas, who made his debut, was outstanding with his strokes and established the pace of the game, which the other top-order batsmen took advantage of. Marnus Labuschagne, who scored 72 runs, and Khawaja, who had been having trouble getting going during the series, were given time to calm down and both scored half-centuries.
India’s comeback was orchestrated by ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who took two quick wickets of Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh in the third session of Day 2. However, the squad had a bad start to the day, and Australia now had a commanding lead. Since Steve Smith and Pat Cummins had no such problem to cope with, the Indian bowlers lacked discipline in their line and length. It was also easier in the centre when there were frequent no-balls.
Check the post below:
The Indian Cricket Team is wearing black armbands as a mark of respect to former Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh who passed away on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/nXVUHSaqel
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 27, 2024
It didn’t work in the middle. Head coach Gautam Gambhir, skipper Rohit Sharma, and senior batsman Virat Kohli were seen encouraging the Indian players before Day 2. Australia will be looking to produce a sizable total in the first innings and put pressure on the visitors, and Kohli was especially heard discussing the players’ body language. The first six overs showed no progress.
Intriguingly, Bumrah replaced Mohammed Siraj, the pacer who began the day with the ball, after he gave up nine runs, and Siraj was only given one over. The Indian skipper became irritated with him as he struggled with the line and removed him shortly after an over.
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