Another day, another dominating display by Australia with both the bat and ball. Steve Smith’s brilliant innings of 140 helped Australia post a mammoth total of 474. Despite the pitch quickening slightly, batting conditions remained favourable, but India found themselves in trouble, losing half their side, still trailing by 310 runs at stumps.
The day began with bright sunshine and a relatively flat surface, ideal for batting. Australia capitalised on their commanding position, with strong support from the lower-middle-order. Alongside captain Pat Cummins, Smith added a vital 112 runs for the seventh wicket and reached a magnificent 34th Test century—his second of the series. After reaching the milestone, Smith shifted gears, taking a more aggressive approach.
Ravindra Jadeja eventually broke the partnership, claiming three wickets, but not before Mitchell Starc and Smith added another quick 44 runs. Smith’s brilliant knock came to an unfortunate end off Akash Deep’s bowling. While Jadeja made inroads into the lower order, Jasprit Bumrah wrapped up the innings, but the other Indian bowlers struggled overall to make a significant impact in the first innings.
India’s response got off to a shaky start. Rohit Sharma, opening the innings, fell victim to Cummins. This marked the seventh time Cummins dismissed the Indian skipper in Tests. KL Rahul, stepping in at No. 3, looked composed and played a few elegant strokes, while Yashasvi Jaiswal at the other end matched him with solid technique. The southpaw successfully negotiated the new ball and then played his shots.
India seemed to steady the ship, but Cummins struck again, removing Rahul with a brilliant delivery just before the tea break. Post-tea, Virat Kohli took charge, partnering effectively with Jaiswal. Kohli’s judgment was much better in this innings as he was leaving deliveries outside off and waiting for the right moments to strike. He looked as assured as he was in Perth.
Meanwhile, Jaiswal quietly reached his ninth Test fifty, complementing Kohli’s composed innings. The duo put together a century stand. Despite Australia’s attempts to unsettle them with field adjustments and short-ball tactics, both batters remained resolute.
However, Australia regained momentum late in the day with two quick wickets. A communication mix-up led to Jaiswal’s unfortunate run-out after a well-crafted 82. Soon after, Kohli, who had looked in sublime form, edged a delivery to the keeper, falling once again to a ball outside off. These late dismissals put Australia firmly back in control as the day came to a close.