Australia extended its lead to an impressive 333 runs at the end of day four of the fourth Test match in Melbourne on Sunday, highlighted by Marnus Labuschagne’s solid half-century and resilient performances from the tail-end batsmen.
As the match reached its conclusion for the day, Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland received a warm ovation from the home crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground for their unbeaten partnership of 55 runs for the last wicket, leaving Australia at 228 for nine. Lyon finished the day with 41 not out, with Boland supporting him by contributing 10 runs.
The five-match series is currently tied at 1-1, and India’s Jasprit Bumrah notably made his mark by taking three crucial wickets before tea, igniting hopes of shifting the game’s momentum. However, Labuschagne (70) and Australian captain Pat Cummins (41) formed a key 57-run partnership, which proved vital in stabilizing the innings.
India’s challenge intensified as only one team has successfully chased down over 300 runs to win a Test match at the MCG, with England achieving this feat in 1928 by scoring 332 runs.
Australia’s tailend batting mitigated what had been a shaky middle-order performance. After starting strong at 80 for two, they quickly faltered, losing four wickets for just 11 runs amid Bumrah’s fierce attack, which included the prize wickets of Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Alex Carey.
Cummins’ resolute batting helped ease the pressure, as he absorbed the onslaught with determination. After contributing to the first innings with 49 runs, he added a significant 41 runs in the second innings before being dismissed.
Fielding lapses cost India dearly, with Yashasvi Jaiswal dropping two crucial catches, allowing Labuschagne to escape at 46 and Usman Khawaja at two. Khawaja eventually scored 21 runs but was dismissed by Siraj.
While India started the day on rocky ground, Nitish Kumar Reddy’s resilience, scoring a maiden century with 114 runs, provided a glimmer of hope after they struggled early on in the Test.
This matchday drew a record audience for a Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, with total attendance reaching 299,329—a testament to the excitement surrounding the rivalry and the sport.
As the fifth day approaches, cricket fans are left eager to see if India can mount the historic chase, while Australia looks to capitalize on their lead and secure a crucial series victory.
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