Fourth Test: Lyon and Boland's Resistance Leaves India Frustrated as Australia Builds 333-Run Lead

Melbourne, Dec 29 (NationPress) A crucial 51-run partnership for the final wicket between Nathan Lyon (41 not out) and Scott Boland (10 not out) left India feeling frustrated as Australia increased its lead to 333 runs after reaching 228/9 in 82 overs at stumps on day four of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

In a day filled with thrilling Test cricket, India managed to dismiss Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins in the final session, making it seem likely that they would gain momentum before stumps. However, Lyon and Boland batted together for 110 balls, ensuring their resistance left India frustrated in front of 43,867 fans.

It will be intriguing to see if Australia opts to continue batting tomorrow or declares overnight, setting India up for an extraordinary chase – the highest-ever in MCG history – on the final day.

The final session commenced with Mohammed Siraj striking with his first delivery, managing to jag off the pitch and trap Labuschagne lbw. The batter reviewed the decision, but ball tracking indicated the ball was only clipping the bails on the umpire's call, leading to Labuschagne departing for 70. Starc was run out while attempting a second run, with Rishabh Pant swiftly removing his glove to effect the run-out at the non-striker’s end.

The conclusion of Australia’s innings seemed near when Ravindra Jadeja bowled one that pitched on off stump and turned away, taking the edge of Cummins's bat, dismissing him for 41 runs off 90 balls. However, as India’s bowlers began to tire and the ball softened, Lyon and Boland found the opportunity to mount their resistance.

The desperation of the situation led to Siraj missing a chance on follow-through off Lyon, who also survived an lbw appeal, with India exhausting their final review. Meanwhile, Boland cut Siraj for four to bring up Australia’s 300, while Lyon was sweeping, dancing down the pitch, and expertly chipping and slicing for boundaries.

Some drama unfolded in the last over of the day when KL Rahul made a tumbling catch using his legs off Lyon against Bumrah, but replays revealed it was a no ball. India’s frustration continued as Lyon added two more runs, bringing up the 50-run partnership for the final wicket before scoring a four off an edge on the last ball of the day, concluding an exhilarating day of Test cricket.

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