Fourth Test: Aussie Tail Resilient After Bumrah's Onslaught, Hosts Extend Lead to 333

Melbourne, Dec 29 (NationPress) The fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series is gearing up for an exhilarating finish at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, following a commendable 55-run partnership for the last wicket between Nathan Lyon (41 not out) and Scott Boland (10 not out), which enabled Australia to increase its lead to 333 runs.

At the end of the day, Australia concluded at 228/9 after 82 overs, managing to withstand a fierce four-wicket haul from Jasprit Bumrah, who had reduced them to 91/6 and achieved his 200th Test wicket in the process. However, Marnus Labuschagne showcased resilience with a score of 70, while captain Pat Cummins contributed 41 runs to stabilize Australia’s innings.

The duo of Lyon and Boland batted for 110 balls, ensuring their resistance kept India on edge in front of 43,867 spectators. It remains to be seen whether Australia will continue batting the following day or declare overnight, prompting India to embark on a daunting chase—the highest ever at the MCG—on the final day, reminiscent of the legendary 2021 Gabba chase.

Earlier, India could only add 11 runs to their overnight score before Nitish Kumar Reddy was dismissed by Lyon for 114. Cummins thought he had Siraj caught at slip, but the third umpire ruled it a bump ball. Reddy made a quick four off Lyon before slicing to long-off, concluding his remarkable maiden Test century that illuminated the MCG.

The first session was highlighted by India’s disciplined bowling performance, showcasing their strong intensity with the new ball. Australia's second innings began with a reprieve for Usman Khawaja, who was dropped by Yashasvi Jaiswal at leg gully off the ever-reliable Bumrah.

Despite the dropped catch, Khawaja struggled against Bumrah, while Akash Deep troubled Sam Konstas as both he and Siraj generated notable seam movement. Bumrah finally struck in his captivating new-ball spell, nipping one back in to rattle Konstas' stumps.

Twelve overs later, Khawaja’s arduous innings ended when he went for an ambitious drive but was bowled by Siraj. Smith and Labuschagne then navigated the remainder of the session successfully, extending Australia’s lead beyond 150 before lunch.

The second session saw India make a comeback, with Bumrah swiftly taking out Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Alex Carey, making him the fastest Indian pacer to reach 200 Test wickets.

Just when it appeared that the partnership between Labuschagne and Steve Smith would flourish, Siraj had Smith chasing a wide ball and caught behind by Rishabh Pant.

Bumrah’s dominance continued under bright Melbourne skies as the birthday boy Head was dismissed for just one, marking Bumrah's 200th Test wicket.

Bumrah was not done yet—he got Mitchell Marsh to edge a rising ball to Pant for a duck, followed by Carey falling for just two, as Bumrah struck again, hitting the off-stump.

Deep consistently troubled Labuschagne and Cummins, getting the former to edge to Jaiswal at gully, who missed a straightforward catch, leaving the bowler, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli frustrated.

After Labuschagne reached his fifty off 105 balls, he and Cummins secured three additional boundaries before tea, with Cummins surviving another drop by Jaiswal.

The final session commenced with Siraj striking immediately—trapping Labuschagne lbw with his first delivery. Though Labuschagne reviewed the decision, ball tracking indicated it was clipping the bails, and he had to depart for 70. Starc was run out while attempting a second run, with Pant executing the run-out at the non-striker’s end.

As Australia’s innings appeared to be nearing its conclusion, Ravindra Jadeja bowled Cummins for 41 runs off 90 balls. However, with the Indian bowlers showing signs of fatigue and the ball losing its hardness, Lyon and Boland capitalized on the opportunity to establish their resistance.

Desperation grew as Siraj dropped a chance off Lyon’s follow-through, who also survived an lbw appeal as India used their final review. Boland's cut through Siraj brought up Australia’s 300, while Lyon dazzled with his sweeping and aggressive shots.

Drama unfolded in the last over of the day when KL Rahul took a tumbling catch of Lyon off Bumrah, but replays revealed a no-ball. Frustrations grew for India as Lyon secured a brace to bring up the 50-run partnership for the final wicket, concluding the day with a boundary off the last ball, setting the stage for a thrilling fifth day.

Brief Scores: Australia 474 and 228/9 in 82 overs (Marnus Labuschagne 70, Nathan Lyon 41 not out; Jasprit Bumrah 4-56, Mohammed Siraj 3-66) lead India 369 in 119.3 overs (Nitish Kumar Reddy 114, Yashasvi Jaiswal 82; Scott Boland 3-57, Pat Cummins 3-89) by 333 runs.