Marnus Labuschagne’s impressive half-century, along with some resilient batting from Australia’s tail-enders, helped the team achieve a commanding 333-run lead by the end of Day Four in the fourth Test against India on Sunday, setting the stage for a record chase for the visitors in Melbourne.
As the day concluded at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland received thunderous applause from the home crowd for their unbroken 55-run partnership for the last wicket. Lyon remained not out at 41, while Boland added 10 runs.
The match is currently tied at 1-1 in the five-Test series. Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah had a potential game-changing moment with a three-wicket haul just before tea, but Labuschagne (70) and captain Pat Cummins (41) helped stabilize the Australian innings with a critical 57-run partnership. The day ended on a disappointing note for India when Bumrah dismissed Lyon with a no-ball in the final over, highlighting missed opportunities for the tourists.
India has only succeeded in chasing over 300 runs once in a Test at the MCG, which adds to the challenge they now face. Despite having a strong start at 80 for 2, Australia faltered dramatically, losing four wickets for just 11 runs during a fierce Bumrah spell, collapsing to 91 for 6. Mohammed Siraj was pivotal in this collapse, dismissing key players including Steve Smith and Travis Head.
Cummins, however, showcased his resilience, having scored 49 in the first innings. He played an essential role in mitigating the damage caused by the Indian bowlers, contributing 41 runs before succumbing to Ravindra Jadeja.
Fielding errors were costly for India, with dropped catches hindering their chances of capitalizing on vital wicket opportunities. Yashasvi Jaiswal, in particular, missed two crucial chances that allowed both Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja to extend their innings.
Despite the challenging situation, India remains in contention thanks to Nitish Kumar Reddy’s remarkable century, which salvaged their innings when they were in trouble early on Day Three.
The day’s attendance reached 299,329, marking a new record for a Boxing Day Test match in Melbourne, demonstrating the continued popularity and excitement of the cricketing event.
In summary, Australia’s strong position provides a thrilling lead in the series, but the intense and competitive nature of the match keeps both teams on edge. The fans eagerly anticipate whether India can rise to the occasion or if Australia will secure victory at home.
With the spirit of Test cricket in full swing, there’s hope that the final day will deliver more thrilling moments, showcasing the resilience and competitive nature of both teams in pursuit of glory.
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