BGT: Kohli-Jaiswal mix-up derails strong Indian response on Day 2

Horrendous faux pas denies Yashasvi Jaiswal a possible century as visitors struggle in first innings

- TRIDIB BAPARNASH

The Melbourne Cricket Ground has laid down arguably the best batting strip of all Australian grounds so far in the Border-Gavaskar series, and yet a silly mix-up in the middle between in-form opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli derailed what would have been India's stellar response to Australia's first innings total of 474, powered by a Steve Smith special ton on the second day of the fourth Test on Friday.

Call it a self-preservation act from the seasoned Kohli or lack of judgment from half-centurion Jaiswal's part, the Indian team had to ultimately bear the brunt of the confusion as it allowed the Aussies to make inroads late into the second day's action with three quick blows that left the visitors reeling at 164 for 5, with Rishabh Pant (6 not out) and Ravindra Jadeja (4 not out) tasked for the rebuilding job once they resume on Saturday.