Australia set the stage for a thrilling finale to the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. A resilient 55-run partnership between Nathan Lyon (41* off 88) and Scott Boland (10* off 63) for the last wicket extended their lead to 333 runs. At stumps, Australia stood at 228/9 in 82 overs, overcoming Jasprit Bumrah’s sensational four-wicket haul.
Bumrah Shines With 200th Test Wicket
India struck early in Australia’s second innings. Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery spell reduced Australia to 91/6. He became the fastest Indian pacer to 200 Test wickets, dismissing Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Alex Carey in quick succession. Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep kept the pressure, with Siraj removing Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith. However, Marnus Labuschagne’s 70 off 140 balls and skipper Pat Cummins’ 41 helped Australia recover before Lyon and Boland frustrated India late in the day.
India began the day by adding just 11 runs to their overnight score. Debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy’s innings ended at 114 when he was caught off Nathan Lyon. India’s disciplined bowling effort with the new ball kept them in the game despite a dropped catch by Yashasvi Jaiswal early in Australia’s innings.
Labuschagne built a gritty 70-run knock, despite edges and dropped catches, to steer Australia past a 150-run lead by lunch. His stand with Cummins and Lyon’s late partnership with Boland proved crucial. Lyon attacked with sweeps and drives, while Boland defended stubbornly. India’s desperation showed as they missed opportunities, with Siraj dropping a return catch and an lbw review going in Australia’s favor.
The day ended dramatically. KL Rahul’s catch off a no-ball and Lyon’s edge for four off the last delivery added to India’s frustrations. The match now heads into an enthralling final day, with Australia deciding whether to bat further or declare.
Brief Scores:
Australia 474 & 228/9 (Labuschagne 70, Lyon 41*; Bumrah 4-56, Siraj 3-66)
India 369 (Reddy 114, Jaiswal 82; Boland 3-57, Cummins 3-89)
Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah Becomes Sixth Indian Fast-Bowler To Reach 200 Test Wickets
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