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IND vs AUS: The fourth Test game between India and Australia that is being played at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has reached a climax, with just one more day to decide the outcome of the match. As the match enters its last day, Australia is placed in a comfortable position as they have gained a solid lead, and India is required to produce a match-winning performance on the last day to seal their deal and make it to the WTC final.
Australia sets tough target: 333-run lead at stumps in IND vs AUS
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On the IND vs AUS, final day, Day 4, Australia had ended at 228/9 in their second innings and set India a challenging task. With one wicket left, Australia now is 333 runs ahead of India. The Melbourne pitch has been flat, but that could be the factor that might not allow India to bowl out Australia on the final day. In any case, the opportunity to save the Test or even try to chase down the target makes for an exciting conclusion.
Bumrah and Siraj Shine with the Ball on day 4, IND vs AUS
The bowling attack of India, led by Jasprit Bumrah, proved to be the highlight of Day 4. On the day, Bumrah was quite exceptional in taking 4 wickets and proved once again how valuable he has been in Test cricket. His wonderful performance also gifted him an individual milestone of becoming the fastest Indian bowler to take 200 wickets in Test cricket.
For Bumrah, it was the dismissal of Travis Head, that took him to the mark of 200 Test wickets.
Mohammad Siraj was also impressive, as he too picked up 3 wickets to not let the Australians breathe any easy at all. As a combined force, it was indeed Bumrah and Siraj who pushed India closer to the Aussie despite dominating the game being played for them.
For Australia at stumps was Nathan Lyon with 41* runs and Scott Boland contributing 10*, and by the end, this couple had added together 55 runs for which it becomes the last couple to decide the fate as this run has stretched a lot.
Marnus Labuschagne and Pat Cummins Head Australia’s Resistance
Marnus Labuschagne was the top scorer for Australia, scoring a cautious 70 runs. He anchored the middle order, ensuring Australia built a huge lead. Captain Pat Cummins, too, had an important knock, contributing 41 runs to his team’s total. The duo of Labuschagne and Pat Cummins ensured that the Indian bowlers were kept at bay for long stretches after India’s bowlers had made some early inroads.
India’s Fightback in the First Innings and Key Partnerships
In India’s first innings, they had replied to Australia’s mammoth total of 474 with a solid but not spectacular 369 runs. Even though the pitch was flat, the Indian batsmen fought hard, and many of them scored important runs. Shreyas Iyer (52), Ajinkya Rahane (42), and Rishabh Pant (36) played important knocks for India to keep them in the game.
The main aspect where it seems the balance was turned in favor of India was the association of Shreyas Iyer and Washington Sundar. They scored 127 runs together, with Washington Sundar scoring a highly sensible knock of 50 from 162 balls. In that respect, India went through a period when all hope seemed lost in its innings.
Rishabh Pant’s Dismissal Proves Costly in IND vs AUS, 4th Test
Rishabh Pant’s dismissal proved costly to India. Pant, who had been playing aggressively, fell to a poor shot, which left India struggling at 191/6. Former Indian great Sunil Gavaskar has praised Reddy’s innings, saying that it is one of the best Test innings he has seen in recent times, given the circumstances. Pant’s dismissal at a crucial stage proved to be a setback, as India failed to reach a larger total and fell short by 105 runs in comparison to Australia’s first-innings total.
IND vs AUS, Last Day: India’s Do-or-Die Moment
The stage is now set for a dramatic final day of the match. It would be an India against the wall to chase down the target of 333 runs or avoid a defeat to ensure that they enter the World Test Championship final. On the flat pitch and the minimal support it gives the bowlers, it is certainly not going to be impossible for India. However, the Indian batsmen will need to show remarkable resilience and concentration, with a good performance required from their top order.
Australia, on the other hand, will look to send off India early in the last day of play, for their bowlers have a lead that is well set. If Nathan Lyon and the fast bowlers can strike early and dismantle the top order of India, they would have a strong chance of sealing victory in IND vs AUS series.
Key Moments and Takeaways
– Bumrah’s Milestone: Jasprit Bumrah is the fastest Indian to achieve 200 wickets in Test cricket. He has been crucial for India’s bowling unit.
– Australia’s Lower Order Resistance: Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland added 55 runs for the last wicket without losing, giving Australia a much-needed lead going into the final day.
– India’s Fightback: Even as India suffered a late collapse, their fightback, particularly through partnerships, especially between Iyer and Sundar, kept them in the game.
– Pant’s Costly Mistake: Rishabh Pant’s reckless shot at a critical moment of India’s first innings proved to be a turning point in the match.
Final Day Drama: Who Will Prevail?
With everything to play for on the IND vs AUS, final day, the match is poised for an exciting finish. India will have to prove tremendous resolve to save or even win the Test, as Australia will be very optimistic of their chances with an overall lead. The pitch at Melbourne might not present much help to the bowling, but it surely seems to be a promising affair.
As the teams head into the fifth and final day, all eyes will be on the Melbourne Cricket Ground to see which side can seize the moment and emerge victorious. India’s hopes of reaching the WTC final hinge on a result here, making this final day crucial not just for the series but also for their broader ambitions in international cricket.
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