Marnus Labuschagne’s impressive half-century, along with resilient tail-end batting, has positioned Australia with a commanding 333-run lead at the close of day four in the fourth Test against India in Melbourne. The match now stands with India facing the daunting challenge of trying to chase down a record total for victory on the final day.
As the day ended, Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland received raucous applause from home supporters at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, having crafted an unbroken 55-run partnership for the final wicket. Lyon finished the day unbeaten on 41, while Boland contributed 10 runs.
With the five-match series currently tied at 1-1, Indian bowler Jasprit Bumrah made his mark by claiming three crucial wickets before tea, reviving hopes for the visitors in front of nearly 44,000 spectators. However, Labuschagne’s 70 runs and a 57-run partnership with Australia captain Pat Cummins, who scored 41, helped stabilize the innings amid a challenging period.
The match took a turn late in the day when Bumrah secured the wicket of Lyon, who was caught in the slips, but the delivery was ruled a no-ball, leaving India disappointed. For India to pull off a win, they must overcome a tough task; only one team has successfully chased down more than 300 runs for a Test match victory at the MCG—an achievement by England in 1928 when they chased down 332 runs against Australia.
Australia’s middle order faced significant challenges, losing four wickets for just 11 runs in a swift period, primarily due to Bumrah’s outstanding performance. The Indian bowler’s aggressive spell saw him reach a milestone of 200 Test wickets, contributing to a sharp collapse from a strong position of 80 for 2 to 91 for 6.
Despite early setbacks, Cummins showcased his steadiness at a crucial moment, helping the team regain some composure. After Labuschagne departed, he allied with Mitchell Starc and Lyon to add valuable runs. However, missed fielding opportunities, particularly by Indian players Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Kumar Reddy, proved costly and allowed Australia to extend their innings.
India has battled through tough moments, as they showed resilience on day three when Reddy’s maiden century contributed significantly to their conditions. He concluded his innings with a score of 114, ending on the fourth morning due to a dismissal by Lyon.
The vibrant atmosphere and attendance record on day four, totaling 299,329 fans, further highlighted the excitement surrounding this Boxing Day Test match.
This match is gearing up to be a thrilling conclusion, showcasing the unpredictability of cricket. With both teams fighting hard, fans can expect an exhilarating finish. The resilience demonstrated by both sides emphasizes the competitive spirit of Test cricket, where anything can happen until the last ball is bowled.
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