Unfiltered Opinion of Vaughan on Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s ‘psychology’
Despite struggles from Australia’s top and middle order on Day 4, the tailenders, led by captain Pat Cummins, mounted a crucial resistance, extending their lead to 333 runs at stumps with a score of 228 for 9. After resuming at 135 for 6 post-tea, Australia lost Marnus Labuschagne for 70 but fought valiantly, with Cummins contributing a vital 41. The last-wicket pair of Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland added an unbeaten 55 runs, shifting momentum in Australia’s favor and making India’s task of chasing down at least 334 runs significantly tougher.
The pressure is mounting on India’s openers, Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who must provide a quick start in the final innings. Rohit is under scrutiny after a poor performance in the previous innings, while Jaiswal faces the challenge of bouncing back after a mix-up led to his dismissal despite scoring 82 runs. Former England captain Michael Vaughan noted the
psychological pressure on Rohit, suggesting that both openers would be relieved not to bat late on Day 4.
Ravi Shastri supported this view, stating that both players would feel fresher going into Day 5. With Australia poised to seal the series with a win on home soil, the responsibility on India’s openers has increased as they aim to weather the storm against a strong Australian bowling attack.