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Virat Kohli earned the limelight again for his master plan with fast bowler Mohammed Siraj on day four of the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground. The former skipper was actively involved in making plans and strategies with Rohit Sharma, also helping in setting the field for the Aussie batters. During Australia’s second innings, Kohli also gave inputs to Siraj to dismiss Smith, who scored 140 runs in the first innings.
In a viral video, Virat Kohli was seen suggesting Mohammed Siraj to bowl from the corner as Steve Smith likes to play there. He was heard as saying, "Kone se...Kone see. Har ball kone se. Usko Pasand hai kone se. (Bowl it from the corner).” However, Siraj didn’t bowl exactly that way and delivered a wide half-volley to which Smith tried to go hard but ended up edging the ball. After that, wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant did no mistake in grabbing the ball as Smith was back to the pavilion after scoring 13(41) runs.
Nathan Lyon - Scott Boland’s frustrating partnership takes Australia to lead of 333 runs
Talking about the match, due to Nitish Kumar Reddy’s memorable 114(189) runs, India were bowled out for 369 runs, trailing by 105 runs in the first innings. Coming to bat in the second innings, Marnus Labuschagne top scored with 70(139) runs for the hosts, but didn’t get much support from the top order. Pat Cummins also played a captain’s knock of 41(90) as Australia were reduced to 173/9.
After that, number 10 and 11 batters, Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland respectively didn’t let any wicket fall for the rest of the day and have already added 55 runs before the fall of the 10th wicket. Australia are now leading by 333 runs, with Lyon unbeaten on 41(54) with Boland (10* off 65) by the end of day four.
