The fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has set the stage for an exciting conclusion at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), with Australia extending their lead to 333 runs by the end of Day Four.
This dramatic turn of events was made possible by a gritty 55-run stand for the final wicket between Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland, who remained unbeaten at 41 and 10, respectively.
Australia ended the day with a score of 228/9 in 82 overs, having fought back from a precarious position of 91/6. The credit for the early collapse largely goes to India’s Jasprit Bumrah, who picked up four wickets in a superb spell, marking his 200th Test wicket in the process.
Despite the initial setbacks, Marnus Labuschagne's vital 70 and skipper Pat Cummins’ solid 41 gave Australia the platform for recovery.
The partnership between Lyon and Boland proved to be the turning point of the day. Their determined resistance, which lasted for 110 balls, frustrated the Indian bowlers and agitated the crowd of 43,867 fans.
The question now remains whether Australia will continue batting into Day Five or declare and set India a massive target, potentially the highest ever at the MCG, igniting memories of the famous 2021 Gabba chase.
India had begun the day with the task of adding to their overnight score, but they were only able to manage 11 runs before Nitish Kumar Reddy, who had earlier brought up a memorable maiden Test century, was dismissed.
Reddy's dismissal marked the end of India's first innings at 369, with some debate over a potential catch off Mohammad Siraj being ruled as a bump ball. His knock of 114 was the highlight for India, as he fought through tough conditions to put his team in a strong position.
The highlight of the morning session was India’s disciplined bowling performance. With the new ball, they tested the Australian top order, but it was Bumrah’s brilliance that led to breakthroughs.
Usman Khawaja, despite a reprieve, failed to find rhythm and was dismissed for 13, bowled by Siraj after a reckless drive. Steve Smith and Labuschagne then ensured Australia reached a score of 150 before the lunch break.
The second session saw Bumrah continuing to wreak havoc. He first took out Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Alex Carey in quick succession, completing his 200-wicket milestone in style.
His performance was a masterclass in fast bowling, with each wicket coming through relentless pressure and precision. In particular, Carey’s dismissal was a result of Bumrah’s in-swinging delivery that took out the off-stump.
However, as the session wore on, Labuschagne and Cummins dug in to prevent any further collapses. Labuschagne’s calm, composed innings provided the stability, and with Cummins, the duo managed to keep the scoreboard ticking.
The Indian bowlers, despite being dominant at times, were unable to break the partnership, and the Australians began to build their score again.
In the final session, the match took yet another dramatic turn. Siraj, with his first ball of the session, dismissed Labuschagne LBW for 70. The batter, however, challenged the decision, but the review showed the ball would have clipped the bails, leaving Labuschagne disappointed.
The end of his valuable knock put India back in the hunt, but just as it seemed the end was near, Lyon and Boland resisted further.
The Indian bowlers, visibly tired, failed to capitalise on key moments.
Siraj dropped a chance on his follow-through off Lyon, while India’s frustration mounted as Lyon and Boland stretched their partnership. Lyon’s counterattacks, including a flurry of boundaries, propelled Australia past 300, adding crucial runs to their total.
There was a moment of drama when KL Rahul seemingly caught Lyon off Bumrah, only for the replays to show a no-ball. This added to the growing frustration for India, as Lyon and Boland’s partnership reached 50 runs.
The day ended with Lyon playing a delicate shot to bring up another boundary, leaving Australia on 228/9, with a substantial lead.
As the teams prepare for Day Five, the scenario is set for a thrilling conclusion. India will need to produce a herculean effort to chase down the target set by Australia, with the highest-ever chase at the MCG a distinct possibility.
The final day promises to be a cracker, with both teams still fighting fiercely for the win.
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