In a gripping day of Test cricket, Jasprit Bumrah’s brilliance gave India hope before Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland’s resistance pushed Australia to a commanding lead of 333 runs. The fourth day of the Melbourne Test saw momentum swing wildly, with Bumrah’s relentless bowling keeping India alive against the odds.
India’s Comeback with the Ball
Starting the day with a slender advantage, Australia struggled against India’s new-ball attack. Bumrah set the tone, dismissing Sam Konstas with a seaming delivery that breached the defense. Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep joined the effort, exploiting the seam-friendly conditions to trouble the Australian batters. At one stage, Australia was 91 for 6, their lead looking far from secure.
Bumrah’s fiery spell turned the game around in the afternoon. He dismissed Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Alex Carey in quick succession, reaching his 200th Test wicket in the process. The crowd roared as Bumrah celebrated each breakthrough with passion. Siraj, meanwhile, silenced the Australian supporters with a delivery that trapped Marnus Labuschagne lbw after a well-fought 70.
Australia’s Middle-Order Struggles
Australia’s top and middle order crumbled under the relentless Indian attack. Steven Smith edged a wide delivery from Siraj, and Mitchell Marsh’s lean run continued as Bumrah had him gloving a rising delivery. India’s bowlers repeatedly beat the bat, and the pressure was evident. Even Labuschagne, Australia’s most composed batter, survived only due to a dropped catch by Yashasvi Jaiswal at gully.
Pat Cummins joined Labuschagne to rebuild the innings, their partnership adding a vital 57 runs. However, Cummins eventually edged Ravindra Jadeja to slip after contributing a fighting 37.
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Lyon and Boland Frustrate India
Just when it seemed India had regained control, Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland staged an unexpected rescue act. Their unbroken last-wicket stand of 55 runs frustrated the Indian bowlers. Lyon, in particular, showed remarkable composure, surviving a fiery spell from Bumrah. A no-ball in the final over, which cost Bumrah his fifth wicket, added to India’s woes.
Lyon capitalized on the reprieve, scoring 14 off the last over of the day to remain unbeaten on 41. Boland, offering solid support, ensured Australia ended the day in a position of strength.
India Faces a Historic Challenge
India now faces a daunting chase on a challenging surface. The highest successful fourth-innings chase at the MCG remains England’s 332 in 1928. For India, memories of their historic Gabba triumph in 2021 might offer some inspiration.
Despite the setbacks, Bumrah’s exceptional performance and Siraj’s return to form have kept India in the contest. As the final day approaches, the focus will shift to whether India can defy history and chase down the target or if Australia’s lead proves insurmountable. Either way, a thrilling finish awaits.
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