Scorecard for the match between the India National Cricket Team and the Australia Men’s Cricket Team: Intense cricket and heated player confrontations have been hallmarks of the current Test match between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The simmering drama was heightened on Day 2 by an incident between Australian bowler Nathan Lyon and India’s KL Rahul.

After Rohit Sharma returned as an opener with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rahul was dropped to No. 3 in the batting order. As he stood his ground at the crease, Lyon gave him a sly teasing. I asked the seasoned Australian spinner, “What did you do wrong to bat one down?” Delivered with typical Australian humor, the statement aimed to make Rahul uncomfortable. The Indian batsman, however, maintained his composure and disregarded the comment.

The tense mood from Day 1, when Virat Kohli’s shoulder contact with rookie Sam Konstas caused controversy, was followed by this interaction. As the Australian fans jeered him, Kohli replied aggressively, telling them to “boo louder.”

India’s problems were exacerbated by skipper Rohit Sharma’s dismal batting performance. Pat Cummins delivered a short ball outside off stump in the sixth over. Scott Boland made an easy catch at midwicket after Rohit tried a pull but mistimed it. India’s attempts to put up a strong fight against Australia’s formidable first-innings total were further hampered by his early departure.

In the fourth Test here on Friday, India fell behind Australia by 310 runs after reaching 164 for five at stumps on day two. Virat Kohli (36) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (82) put the ship in balance with a 102-run partnership.

But after a mix-up with Kohli, who was caught behind in the next over, Jaiswal was run out.

After lunch, Steve Smith scored his 34th Test century, and Australia was completely out.

The hosts scored 163 runs throughout the day to reach a dominant total, continuing at their overnight score of 311 for six.

Akash Deep (2/94) claimed two wickets for India, while Jasprit Bumrah (4/99) and Ravindra Jadeja (3/78) split seven wickets between them.

Short scores:

In 122.4 overs, Australia’s first innings ended with 474 all out (Steve Smith 140, Marnus Labuschgane 72, Sam Konstas 60, Jasprit Bumrah 4/99, Ravindra Jadeja).