Marnus Labuschagne’s solid performance, scoring a half-century, coupled with resilient batting from Australia’s tail-end players, propelled the team to a commanding 333-run lead at the conclusion of day four in the fourth Test in Melbourne. This puts India in a challenging position, looking at a record chase for a potential victory.

As the players left the field at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland garnered cheers from the home crowd after putting together an unbeaten 55-run partnership for the final wicket. At stumps, Lyon was on 41 not out and Boland had contributed 10 runs.

The series is currently tied at 1-1, and India’s Jasprit Bumrah sparked a brief hope for the tourists when he took three wickets before tea, amidst a lively crowd of 43,867 fans. However, Labuschagne (70) and Australian captain Pat Cummins (41) steadied the innings with a crucial 57-run partnership, before Boland and Lyon further frustrated the Indian bowlers.

India faced a tough end to the day when Bumrah managed to secure Lyon’s dismissal via a no-ball in the final over. Historically, only one team has achieved a successful chase of over 300 runs at the MCG, with England accomplishing the feat back in 1928 when they chased down 332 runs against Australia.

The Australian batting lineup had a shaky middle order, collapsing from a position of 80 for two to 91 for six, largely due to Bumrah’s impressive spell. Mohammed Siraj also played a significant role in this collapse, dismissing key batsmen including Steve Smith, Travis Head, and Alex Carey.

Despite the turmoil, Cummins showcased resilience, adding important runs and maintaining a firm grip on the game’s momentum after the loss of Labuschagne. However, fielding errors from the Indian side cost them dearly, with dropped chances that could have altered the course of the game.

On a more hopeful note, India has displayed remarkable determination in this series. Having struggled early in the third day, it was Nitish Kumar Reddy’s maiden century that turned the tide and kept India competitive. His innings of 114 ended with his dismissal off Lyon, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of Test cricket.

With a record attendance of 299,329 over the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, fans are eagerly anticipating an exciting finish to this closely contested series. The match continues to highlight the resilience and unpredictability that makes cricket such a thrilling sport.