In a decisive encounter at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Australia secured a commanding 184-run victory over India in the fourth Test, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. This win significantly bolsters Australia’s prospects of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, while India’s hopes have been notably diminished.
Day 1: Australia’s Dominant Start
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Australia introduced 19-year-old batting prodigy Sam Konstas, who made an immediate impact. Konstas’s aggressive 60 off 65 balls, featuring two sixes and six fours, set an assertive tone for the innings. His 89-run opening partnership with Usman Khawaja (57 off 121 balls) provided a solid foundation. Marnus Labuschagne further contributed with a patient 72 off 175 balls. Despite India’s efforts to curtail the scoring in the final session, Australia ended the day at a formidable 311 for 6, with Steve Smith unbeaten on 68*.
Day 2: Smith’s Record-Breaking Century
The second day highlighted Steve Smith’s exceptional form as he reached his 34th Test century, scoring 140 off 197 balls. This innings marked his 11th Test hundred against India, surpassing the previous record held jointly with England’s Joe Root. Smith’s innings, laced with three sixes and 13 fours, propelled Australia to a substantial first-innings total of 474. In response, India faced early setbacks, losing opener Shubman Gill cheaply. However, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s resilient 82 and Virat Kohli’s 36 steadied the innings. A miscommunication led to Jaiswal’s run-out, followed by Kohli’s dismissal, leaving India at 164 for 5 by the day’s end, trailing by 310 runs.
Day 3: India’s Lower-Order Resistance
Facing a significant deficit, India’s lower order showcased commendable resilience. Nitish Kumar Reddy’s maiden Test century was a standout performance, steering India from a precarious position. Supported by Mohammed Siraj and a record-breaking partnership with Washington Sundar, Reddy’s composed innings highlighted the depth of India’s batting lineup. Despite these efforts, India was eventually bowled out, conceding a substantial lead to Australia.
Day 4: Australia’s Tail Wags
Australia’s second innings saw valuable contributions from the lower order. Marnus Labuschagne scored a crucial 70, while an unbeaten last-wicket partnership of 55 between Nathan Lyon (41*) and Scott Boland (10*) frustrated the Indian bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah’s three-wicket burst had sparked hopes of a collapse, but Australia’s tail ensured a challenging target for India.
Day 5: India’s Collapse and Australia’s Victory
Chasing a daunting target of 340, India began the final day with determination. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant formed a promising partnership, keeping hopes alive until the tea break. However, Pant’s dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse, with India losing seven wickets for just 34 runs, culminating in a total of 155 all out. Australian pacers Pat Cummins and Scott Boland each claimed three wickets, while spinner Nathan Lyon added two, sealing the victory for the hosts.
Controversies and Records
The match was not without its controversies. A contentious Decision Review System (DRS) call led to Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dismissal, causing unrest among the crowd. Additionally, the final day witnessed a record-breaking attendance of 74,362, bringing the total match attendance to 373,691, surpassing the previous record from the 1937 Ashes Test.
Implications for the Series and WTC
Australia’s victory not only grants them a lead in the series but also enhances their chances of facing South Africa in the WTC final at Lord’s. India, now trailing, must win the final Test in Sydney to level the series and keep their slim hopes for WTC qualification alive. Captain Rohit Sharma expressed disappointment, stating, “We had our opportunities but couldn’t capitalize. It’s a learning experience, and we need to bounce back in Sydney.”
The final Test is scheduled to commence on January 3 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where India will aim to redeem themselves and Australia will look to clinch the series decisively.
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