Marnus Labuschagne’s solid half-century and resilient tail-end batting helped Australia build a substantial 333-run lead by the end of the fourth day of the fourth Test match in Melbourne. This daunting position now puts India in the challenging position of attempting a historic chase to secure an unlikely victory.
At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland received an enthusiastic send-off from the home crowd as they formed an unbeaten partnership of 55 runs for the last wicket, ending the day’s play with Australia at 228 for nine. Lyon remained not out at 41, while Boland contributed 10 runs.
The five-match series is tied at 1-1, and Jasprit Bumrah of India attempted to shift the game’s momentum with a remarkable three-wicket haul before the tea break, impressing the impressive crowd of 43,867 fans. Despite Bumrah’s efforts, Labuschagne (70) and captain Pat Cummins (41) steadied the innings with a critical 57-run partnership before Lyon and Boland extended India’s frustration.
The day concluded with an unfortunate moment for India when Bumrah dismissed Lyon in the final over with a no-ball ruling, adding to their woes. Historically, only one team has successfully chased over 300 runs at the MCG, with England achieving the feat in a match against Australia in 1928.
Australia’s tail-end batting provided a much-needed buffer, compensating for a precarious middle order that faltered earlier in the innings. Having been in a commanding position at 80 for two, they suffered a rapid collapse, losing four wickets for just 11 runs in a devastating spell from Bumrah, who became the 200th bowler to take a wicket on this milestone.
While fielding errors cost India dearly, including missed chances on Labuschagne, Cummins managed to endure the pressure and wrest back some control, which illustrates the unpredictable nature of Test cricket where the momentum can swing wildly between teams.
In a glimmer of hope for India, they remain competitive despite being in a challenging position, having previously found themselves in a tough spot during the third day until Nitish Kumar Reddy’s century turned the tables. Reddy played a pivotal role by scoring 114 runs, which had significant implications for India’s positioning in the match.
The enthusiastic turnout for the game boasts a record attendance of 299,329 for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, showcasing the enduring appeal of this classic cricketing tradition. Overall, the match continues to provide intense competition and potential unexpected twists as both teams vie for victory in this closely contested series.
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