Fourth Test: Australia Increases Advantage to 191 Runs After Bowling Out India for 369
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Melbourne, Dec 29 (NationPress) Australia faced a challenging pursuit for runs but successfully expanded their lead to 189 runs after bowling out India for 369 on the fourth day of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday.
At lunch, Australia stood at 53/2 in 25 overs, with Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith remaining unbeaten on 20 and 2 respectively. The session's highlight was India's disciplined bowling performance, particularly their impressive intensity in effectively utilizing the new ball.
After the break, Indian bowlers struck thrice, reducing the hosts to 86/5. Mohammed Siraj dismissed Smith for 13, followed by Jasprit Bumrah taking out Travis Head for a mere 1 and sending Mitchell Marsh back for 0.
Much of Australia's fortune relies on Smith, Labuschagne, and Head as they aim to set a challenging target for India. Australia’s second innings got underway with a reprieve for Usman Khawaja, who was dropped at leg gully by Yashasvi Jaiswal off the consistently exceptional Jasprit Bumrah.
Despite the missed opportunity, Khawaja struggled for rhythm against Bumrah, while Akash Deep troubled Sam Konstas with seam movement. Bumrah eventually made his mark in a captivating new-ball spell, getting one to nip back in and dismantle Konstas' forward defense.
12 overs later, Khawaja’s arduous innings concluded when he attempted an extravagant drive but was bowled by Siraj. Smith and Labuschagne then navigated the remainder of the session, ensuring Australia’s lead surpassed 150.
Earlier, India added merely 11 to their overnight score before Nitish Kumar Reddy holed out off Nathan Lyon for 114. Pat Cummins thought he had Siraj caught at slip, but the third umpire ruled it a bump ball. Reddy struck Lyon for four before slicing to long-off, marking the end of his memorable innings that illuminated the MCG.
Brief Scores: Australia 474 and 53/2 in 25 overs (Usman Khawaja 21, Marnus Labuschagne 20; Mohammed Siraj 1-10, Jasprit Bumrah 1-18) lead India 369 in 119.3 overs (Nitish Kumar Reddy 114, Yashasvi Jaiswal 82; Scott Boland 3-57, Pat Cummins 3-89) by 158 runs
