India’s batting line-up is under immense pressure in the ongoing Test series against Australia. The fourth Boxing Day Test at the MCG in Melbourne has turned into a tough challenge for Rohit Sharma's team.
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Australia has dominated the game over the first three days, placing India in a position where a follow-on might be enforced. With poor batting and mediocre bowling from India, the match has been heavily tilted in Australia’s favor.
On Day 2, India collapsed from a stable position with a 102-run partnership between Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal, before they were involved in a shocking run-out leading to a flurry of wickets to end the day.
The visitors ended the day at 164/5, after losing 3 wickets for 6 runs from a good position at 153/2 a couple of overs earlier.
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This brings back memories of the last time India conceded a follow-on in a Test match, over a decade ago.
When was the last time India conceded follow-on in Test match?
The last time India were asked to follow on was in 2011 against England at The Oval. England, powered by Ian Bell’s double century (235) and Kevin Pietersen’s brilliant 175, posted a massive 591 runs in their first innings. In response, India scored only 300 runs, with Rahul Dravid scoring a valiant 145.
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England enforced the follow-on, and their decision paid off. India were bowled out for 283 in their second innings, suffering a heavy defeat by an innings and 8 runs. This loss completed a 4-0 clean sweep for England in the series.
Since that match in 2011, India have played over 100 Test matches without being asked to follow on. On three occasions, opponents had the chance to enforce it but chose not to.
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However, the streak might end at the Gabba if India fail to cross 246 in their first innings. If Australia enforces the follow-on, it will mark a low point for India’s batting unit, which has struggled throughout the ongoing series.
Apart from their solid start in Perth, Indian batters have been unable to handle Australia’s world-class bowling attack. The prospect of conceding a follow-on at the Gabba adds to the team’s mounting pressure.
Fans will hope for a fightback from the Indian batters to avoid another embarrassing moment in their Test history.
