AUS vs IND 2024: Why are Indian players wearing black armbands on Day 2 of fourth Test?

The Indian cricket team paid a heartfelt tribute to former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh by wearing black armbands on Day 2 of the fourth Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. This gesture was a mark of respect and mourning following Dr Singh's passing on December 26 at 92. Former Australia cricketer Adam Gilchrist confirmed the reason on commentary in the first over of Day 2.

Meanwhile, India had a rough start to the Test as both Australian openers registered a half-century each. Debutant Sam Konstas was phenomenal with his stroke-making and set the game's tempo, which the other top-order batters capitalised well. Khawaja, who was struggling to get going in the entire series, got time to settle down and registered a half-century and so did Marnus Labuschagne, who made 72 runs. 

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Ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah picked up two quick wickets of Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh in the third session of Day 2 to script India’s comeback but the team had a poor start on Day 2, resulting in Australia being in a commanding position. The Indian bowlers were not disciplined with their line and length as Steve Smith and Pat Cummins faced no such issue to deal with. Frequent no-balls also made things easier in the middle.

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Ahead of Day 2, head coach Gautam Gambhir, captain Rohit Sharma and senior batter Virat Kohli were spotted giving a pep talk to the Indian players but that didn’t work in the middle. Kohli was particularly spotted talking about the body language of the players and the first few overs showed no improvement as Australia will be hoping to post a hefty total in the first innings and put the visitors under pressure.

Interestingly, Mohammed Siraj, who started the day with the ball, was given just one over as Bumrah replaced the pacer after he conceded nine runs. He struggled with the line and the Indian captain was impatient and took him off just after an over.