As it happened - India lose 3-6: Australia controlling MCG Test after half hour of power

Plainly and simply it was a compelling day of Test cricket with plenty of twists and turns, and no shortage of drama. It’s undoubtedly Advantage Australia at stumps but had they been called 30 minutes or so earlier, it might have been a different story.

Let’s hope at the very least that this match goes deep into day four even if Australia is on an inevitable path to victory. Please enjoy our coverage, including rolling updates in our live blog, and excellent reporting and analysis from Daniel Brettig, Tom Decent, Greg Baum and Andrew Wu.

Good night.

A mini-collapse sparked by a run-out helped Australia stay on top as India reached 5-164 at stumps Friday on the second day of the fourth Test of the five-match series.

Australia resumed at the MCG on 6-311 and scored 474, led by Steve Smith’s stylish 140 in front of 85,147 fans.

In reply, India recovered from 2-51 to reach 2-153, but then lost 3-6 in dramatic fashion shortly before stumps. The visitors trailed by 310 runs.

India’s first innings started poorly as captain Rohit Sharma (3) spooned an easy catch to mid-on from the bowling of Pat Cummins in the second over. Cummins (2-57) struck again with the last delivery before tea, slicing through the defences of K.L. Rahul who was bowled for 24.

India recovered through Yashavi Jaiswal (82) and Virat Kohli (36) who steadied India’s innings with a 102-run partnership. Jaiswal was run out after he pushed a ball to mid-on, set off for a risky single, then realised mid-pitch that Kohli had refused to run.

Pace bowler Scott Boland (2-24) struck in successive overs to remove Kohli caught behind and Akash Deep (0) caught at leg gully as India’s fightback faded.

Resuming Friday on 68, Smith climbed to equal-seventh in test cricket with 34 centuries, reaching his hundred off 167 deliveries with a glorious cover drive to the boundary.

Smith, 35, also scored a century in the third test in Brisbane and is now only 51 runs shy of the 10,000-run milestone.

AP

Australia’s Alex Carey, left, Sam Konstas, center, and Marnus Labuschagne walk off the fieldCredit: AP

The crowd imitate Sam Konstas … and he loves every moment.Credit: Getty Images

Sam Konstas lifts his cap to the crowd.Credit: Getty Images

The end of play could not come soon enough for India. Advantage Australia – in a big way of course.

This is the dramatic run-out that sparked a collapse:

Confusion between teammates.Credit: Channel Seven

That passage of play could be the Test match right there. First Kohli BBQ-ed his teammate – Jaiswal set off for single that was his call and always on. Kohli barely moved from the non-striker’s end. Cummins calmly threw to the keeper’s end and ran out Jaiswal, who was on course for a ton. Then within a few minutes Kohli had edged Boland behind in a manner very familiar to anyone who has watched his dismissals in recent times. Now the nightwatchman is out, too, and India are five down and more than 300 behind Australia’s first innings total. A disaster for the tourists and a welcome twist for Australia, who will be well in command leading into day three.

The nightwatchman is OUT. It’s not the biggest wicket in town, but it’s been a dramatic couple of minutes. Akash Deep goes as India lose a fifth wicket.

Plus it’s that man Scott Boland who gets another wicket.

India has lost 3-6 in 23 deliveries.

India 5-159. 44.3 overs

Scott Boland sets off to celebrate after he grabbed his second wicket in nine balls.Credit: AP

Virat Kohli is GONE.

And it’s Scott Boland who got him, caught behind after fending at a ball he could have left alone.

A disastrous couple of minutes for the tourists just as things were looking so positive.

India 4-154, 42.2 overs

Scott Boland rejoices in the moment.Credit: AP

Oh goodness me. Disaster for India – there’s a run out!

Jaiswal is OUT, left stranded mid-pitch after a horrific mix-up.

There was confusion between Jaiswal and Kohli. Just when the tourists were up and going and building momentum, they’ve lost a vital wicket.

Jaiswal was pushing long and strong towards a century.

India 3-153, 41 overs

Yashasvi Jaiswal is dejected.Credit: Getty Images

Jaiswal is trapped in front by Mitch Marsh but the umpire is unmoved and doesn’t raise the finger.

Marsh is steadfast, this is out, he believes and with little hesitation Australia review the call.

There’s millimetres in it. The footage shows the ball pitching outside leg – only just. It’s therefore the umpire’s call and the original decision stands. NOT OUT.