Australia vs India - A Thrilling Fourth Day at the Boxing Day Test
The action on day four of the fourth Test between Australia and India at the MCG has been nothing short of thrilling, with the contest hanging in the balance. India, having set a target of 369, seemed to have their hands firmly on the game, but Australia’s lower order fought back with grit and determination to stretch their lead, now sitting at just over 300 runs.
As the day progressed, India’s bowlers made early breakthroughs, with Australia losing wickets rapidly in the second innings. From the very beginning, the Australian batting line-up struggled against the formidable Indian attack. Usman Khawaja was dismissed early by Siraj, and the wickets continued to tumble. Marnus Labuschagne, who had been in excellent form, was dismissed for 70 by Siraj, and then the middle order, including the likes of Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Alex Carey, fell cheaply, leaving Australia on the ropes at 91-6.
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However, the Australian tail began to wag as captain Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon dug in. The pair added valuable runs, with Lyon playing with composure and Cummins displaying his all-round abilities. The partnership was critical for Australia, pushing their score beyond 150 and extending their lead to more than 250 runs, which could prove significant as the match nears its conclusion. The tension in the air was palpable, with every run becoming more and more crucial.
On the other hand, India’s star bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, was exceptional once again. His pace and accuracy caused havoc among the Australian batsmen, taking crucial wickets throughout the day. Bumrah’s figures of 4-30 from 14 overs showcased his skill and experience, keeping India in the hunt. Despite some early misfielding and dropped catches, India remained focused, with their bowlers looking to wrap up Australia’s innings quickly.
But just when it seemed like Australia might collapse entirely, the partnership between Cummins and Lyon provided the resilience Australia needed. Cummins, in particular, played some aggressive strokes, finding the boundaries and taking calculated risks. His 41 runs were vital in pushing Australia’s lead even further, but eventually, he was dismissed by Jadeja, leaving the tailenders to defend a sizable lead.
As we head into the final session, with Australia leading by 293 runs, the game is far from over. India still has a chance to chase this down, but they need to dismiss the remaining Australian batsmen swiftly. The question on everyone’s mind is whether Bumrah can continue his destructive spell and finish off the tail, or if Australia’s lower order can defy the odds and build a more commanding total.
With the match poised on a knife-edge, day five promises to be an epic conclusion. India needs 370 runs to win, and with a strong batting lineup, it is certainly possible. However, Australia’s bowlers will back themselves to defend the total and claim a crucial victory. It’s all set up for an exciting finish, and fans can expect a gripping final day of action at the MCG.
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