Marnus Labuschagne’s impressive half-century, combined with resilient tail-end batting, has put Australia in a commanding position during the fourth Test in Melbourne, ending day four with a substantial 333-run lead. As the match progresses, India faces an unprecedented challenge to secure victory.
The Melbourne Cricket Ground erupted with applause as Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland formed a remarkable unbeaten 55-run partnership for the last wicket, leaving Australia at 228 for nine by stumps. Lyon contributed 41 runs, while Boland added 10.
With the five-match series tied at 1-1, Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah nearly shifted the game’s momentum, claiming three wickets before the tea break in front of an excited crowd of 43,867. Labuschagne, who scored 70 runs, and Australia’s captain Pat Cummins, who added 41, steadied the innings with a key 57-run partnership before Lyon and Boland further frustrated the Indian side.
The day took a frustrating turn for India when Bumrah dismissed Lyon in the final over with a no-ball. The sheer challenge ahead is daunting for the tourists, as only one team has successfully chased down over 300 runs in a Test match at the MCG — England managed to conquer 332 runs back in 1928.
Australia’s tail-end resistance helped offset a worrying middle-order collapse, which had seen them slip from a solid 80 for two to a precarious 91 for six following Bumrah’s onslaught. Mohammed Siraj played a pivotal role in triggering the fall of wickets, capitalizing on opportunities that arose from careless batting.
Despite Australia’s early hiccups, Captain Cummins played a crucial role in stabilizing the innings amidst the turmoil, demonstrating his experience and leadership. Fielding errors from the Indian team further compounded their struggles, as they dropped multiple catches that could have changed the course of the game.
India’s predicament in the match, however, speaks to their resilience, particularly after Nitish Kumar Reddy’s maiden century rescued their innings early in the third day. His 114 runs were instrumental in keeping India competitive.
The Melbourne Test has also drawn record crowds, with total attendance climbing to 299,329 for this Boxing Day fixture.
Overall, Australia’s strong position resonates well for their supporters, who will be hopeful as the team continues to build upon their lead. Meanwhile, the challenge before India serves as a litmus test of their grit and determination in high-pressure situations. The coming days promise to be exciting as the teams battle for supremacy.
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