Melbourne:Â Australia claimed a dramatic 184-run victory over India on the fifth day of the fourth Test in Melbourne, taking a 2-1 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The hosts delivered a stellar performance with both bat and ball, setting up an enthralling series finale in Sydney.
Match Summary
- Australia 1st Innings: 474 (Steve Smith 140; Jasprit Bumrah 4-99)
- India 1st Innings: 369 (S. Reddy 114; Scott Boland 3-57)
- Australia 2nd Innings: 234 (M. Labuschagne 70; Jasprit Bumrah 5-57)
- India 2nd Innings: 155 (Y. Jaiswal 84; Pat Cummins 3-28)
Australia Won by 184 Runs
Australia’s Decisive Victory
Set a daunting target of 340 runs in 92 overs, India adopted a cautious approach, showing little intent to chase the score. Despite their defensive play, Australia’s bowlers proved relentless, claiming the final seven Indian wickets for just 34 runs in the evening session.
India’s Resistance and Collapse
India’s innings began poorly, slipping to 33-3 before opener Yashasvi Jaiswal took charge. Jaiswal displayed remarkable grit, crafting a defiant 84 off 208 balls. He shared a crucial partnership with Rishabh Pant, who contributed 30 runs from 104 balls.
However, after tea, Pant’s ill-timed slog off Travis Head led to his dismissal, triggering a dramatic collapse. Jaiswal’s dismissal shortly after marked the turning point, as India crumbled under pressure to be all out for 155.
Australia’s Bowling Brilliance
Pat Cummins and Scott Boland spearheaded the attack with three wickets each, while Nathan Lyon added two vital scalps to complement his batting heroics earlier in the match. Lyon’s 41 runs in the second innings helped Australia set a challenging target.
Jasprit Bumrah stood out for India, finishing with 5-57 in Australia’s second innings, bringing his match tally to nine wickets. Despite his efforts, the hosts held firm.
What’s Next?
The series now moves to Sydney, with the final Test starting on January 2. A victory there would secure Australia’s place in the World Test Championship final alongside South Africa, adding extra stakes to an already thrilling contest.
Key Performers
- Australia:
- Steve Smith: 140 in 1st innings
- Marnus Labuschagne: 70 in 2nd innings
- Pat Cummins: 3-28 in 2nd innings
- India:
- Jasprit Bumrah: Match figures of 9-156
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: 84 in 2nd innings
- S. Reddy: 114 in 1st innings
The stage is set for an electrifying finish to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. All eyes will be on Sydney as these cricketing giants battle it out for supremacy.
