Rohit Sharma, known for his calm demeanour, couldn’t mask his frustration on Day 4 of the Boxing Day Test when Yashasvi Jaiswal dropped a crucial catch in Australia’s second innings. Positioned in the slip cordon, Rohit reacted visibly, punching the air in exasperation after the young opener missed a straightforward chance to dismiss Marnus Labuschagne, who was batting on 46 at the time.
The dropped catch off Akash Deep’s bowling came with Australia struggling at 99 for 6, giving the visitors a much-needed reprieve. This wasn’t Jaiswal’s first slip-up of the day. Earlier, in the third over of the innings, he missed a challenging chance at leg gully to dismiss Usman Khawaja, who was on 2. Khawaja went on to add 19 more runs before falling to Mohammed Siraj.
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Later, in the final over before Tea, Jaiswal’s woes continued as he dropped Pat Cummins, batting on 20, at silly point. Each missed opportunity seemed to add to Rohit’s visible irritation, as India sought to tighten their grip on the match. Marnus Labuschagne, taking full advantage of his reprieve, went on to notch his third fifty of the series. His partnership with Cummins added an unbeaten 44 runs for the seventh wicket, pushing Australia’s lead past 200 and keeping them in the fight.
Rohit Sharma is furious after Jaiswal dropped the catch of Labuschagne.
He has captained exceptionally so far to turn around the match! pic.twitter.com/6R2zej5o51
— Keh Ke Peheno (@coolfunnytshirt) December 29, 2024
3rd drop catch for Yashasvi Jaiswal today. One of the best fielder having a poor day. pic.twitter.com/TfUOSQO8CM
— Div🦁 (@div_yumm) December 29, 2024
Not his day today. Jaiswal can make it up with the bat. pic.twitter.com/aVyjvpjP28
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) December 29, 2024
Despite the lapses, India showed considerable resolve with the ball. After conceding a 105-run first-innings deficit, the bowlers came out firing. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj were exceptional, delivering a fiery opening spell that removed Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja early. Australia found themselves at 53 for 2 at Lunch, with Labuschagne and Steve Smith battling to steady the innings.
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The second session saw further breakthroughs. Siraj dismissed Smith with a clever sucker ball, enticing the batter into an expansive drive and finding an edge to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant. Bumrah then unleashed a devastating spell, dismantling Australia’s middle order by dismissing Travis Head, Alex Carey, and Mitchell Marsh in quick succession.
From 80 for 2, Australia collapsed to 91 for 6, losing four wickets for just 11 runs. However, Labuschagne’s extra life proved costly as he and Cummins steadied the ship, ensuring Australia stayed in contention.
