Australian team jubilates after fourth Test win.©(@BCCI )
Australia secured a dramatic 184-run victory over India in the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, taking a 2-1 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In a thrilling final day’s play, India fell short of a challenging target of 340 runs, bowled out for 155 in the final session.
This hard-fought win places Australia in pole position to claim the series, with one match remaining in Sydney. The victory also strengthens Australia’s bid for a World Test Championship final spot.
India Falters in Final Session
India began the day cautiously, aiming to save the match rather than chase the target set by Australia. Despite a steady afternoon session anchored by Yashasvi Jaiswal’s defiant 84 and Rishabh Pant’s patient 30, India’s resistance crumbled dramatically in the final session. The hosts exploited the deteriorating pitch and relentless pressure, taking the final seven wickets for just 34 runs.
Pat Cummins and Scott Boland led the Australian attack with three wickets each, while Nathan Lyon’s spin accounted for two key dismissals. Cummins, who also made significant contributions with the bat, was named Player of the Match.
Jaiswal’s Grit Stands Out Amid India’s Collapse
Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal delivered a standout performance, following his first-inning 82 with another resolute knock. Jaiswal faced 208 balls in his innings, hitting eight boundaries and displaying remarkable composure under pressure. Partnering with Pant for an 88-run fourth-wicket stand, Jaiswal kept India in the contest until his dismissal triggered the collapse.
Jaiswal’s dismissal came under controversial circumstances. Initially given not out by on-field umpire Joel Wilson, a review by Australia revealed a faint deflection, overturning the decision. Jaiswal’s departure, caught behind off a sharp bouncer from Cummins, marked the turning point of the innings.
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Australia’s Clinical Bowling Seals Victory
The Australian bowling unit, spearheaded by Pat Cummins, delivered under high stakes. Cummins’ aggressive tactics and sharp bowling dismantled India’s top order early, with a double-wicket maiden removing Rohit Sharma (9) and KL Rahul (0). Mitchell Starc added to India’s woes by dismissing Virat Kohli (5) just before lunch.
Scott Boland’s late spell proved decisive, dismissing India’s tailenders quickly. Boland’s consistent accuracy and Nathan Lyon’s subtle variations capitalized on India’s fragile lower order, wrapping up the innings without requiring a second new ball.
Australia’s All-Round Effort Pays Off
Australia’s victory was built on a complete team effort. Steve Smith’s commanding 140 in the first innings laid a solid foundation, while Marnus Labuschagne’s 70 provided crucial support in the second. Cummins’ contributions with the bat – scores of 49 and 41 – and his exceptional leadership highlighted his impact throughout the match.
Nathan Lyon, who scored a vital 41 in Australia’s second innings, complemented his batting with decisive wickets on the final day, dismissing Nitish Kumar Reddy and Mohammed Siraj.
India’s Senior Players Under Scrutiny
The loss raises questions about the form of India’s senior players. Captain Rohit Sharma managed only 12 runs across two innings, while Kohli’s dismissals reflected uncertainty in approach. Despite the promising performances of Jaiswal and first-innings centurion Nitish Kumar Reddy, India’s middle and lower order lacked the resilience to withstand Australia’s relentless attack.
India must now win the final Test in Sydney to keep their World Test Championship hopes alive. They will rely on Sri Lanka to defeat Australia in an upcoming series.
Captain’s Reactions
Rohit Sharma acknowledged the missed opportunities:
“It is pretty disappointing. We wanted to fight until the end but couldn’t. The last-wicket partnership in Australia’s second innings cost us the game.”
Pat Cummins lauded his team’s performance:
“What an amazing Test match – one of the best I’ve been part of. The crowd was fantastic, and the team’s effort throughout the match was incredible. Steve Smith’s innings and the bowling performance in the final session were outstanding.”
Series Decider Awaits in Sydney
The fifth and final Test in Sydney, starting on 2 January, promises to be a high-stakes contest. While Australia will aim to clinch the series and secure their World Test Championship final berth, India faces the challenge of leveling the series and keeping their championship hopes alive.
With the Melbourne thriller showcasing Test cricket at its best, fans can expect another gripping encounter in Sydney.
