IND vs AUS: Lead Extends To 333 By AUS Tailenders

IND vs AUS: The fourth day of the ongoing Test match between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) ended with a thrilling turn of events, leaving the match in suspense. Australia, despite being under pressure in the first two sessions, fought back in the third session, ending the day with a lead of 333 runs. The Indian bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj, did well to restrict Australia at times, but the tailenders kept India at bay with a gritty resistance.

Australia Extends Lead with Gritty Tailender Partnership in IND vs AUS

 

By the end of IND vs AUS Day 4, Australia had reached 228/9 in their second innings, adding 123 runs to their first-innings lead of 105 runs. This has given the Australian team a formidable lead of 333 runs, with one wicket remaining. Nathan Lyon (40*) and Scott Boland (10*) have remained unbeaten, with the former forging an important last-wicket partnership with the latter of 55 runs, which has served as a much-needed boost for Australia heading into the final day.

As could have been expected, the Australians’ batting had witnessed plenty of dramatic changes during the day’s session.

After a relatively unsteady start, India’s onslaught was able to restrict Australia to 91/6, putting them in discomfort, before a strong counter-attacking role by captain Pat Cummins and Marnus Labuschagne shifted all momentum. Cummins got himself a captain’s knock by adding 57 for the seventh wicket, bringing Labuschagne onto a half-century (70). The tailenders’ gritty resistance ensured that Australia’s lead stretched significantly.

India’s Early Dominance in the First Two Sessions, IND vs AUS

 

On day 3 morning, India began from strength. India made heavy incursions into the Australian side’s second innings on Day 3 itself after posting 369 in the first innings of play. Indian bowlers have taken early breakthroughs into Australia’s playing innings. Their top order once again faltered. Firstly, the first six overs went for only 91 runs.

Jasprit Bumrah was the star of India, taking 4 wickets for 56 runs in 24 overs. His high tempo and accuracy kept Australia’s batsmen on tenterhooks. Mohammad Siraj also did well to the tune of 3 wickets for 66 runs in 22 overs. Both the bowlers managed to restrain Australia’s middle order to keep India in the contest.

Pat Cummins and Marnus Labuschagne Rescue Australia

 

As India’s bowlers looked to break through the Australian resistance, it was Pat Cummins and Marnus Labuschagne who steadied the ship for Australia. The pair added 57 runs for the seventh wicket, with Cummins showing his leadership qualities in a crucial period. Labuschagne, who had earlier top-scored with 70 runs, continued to play a composed innings, weathering the storm alongside his captain.

Cummins, with his measured approach, turned around the situation from the perilous position of 91/6. This was crucial as it brought back Australia to the contest, having once been behind India who seemed completely in control.

Tailenders Make a Crucial Contribution

Though India started dominating, the Australian tail-enders, especially Lyon and Boland, worked so hard to take the lead of a game that is truly headed for an epic climax. Lyon was a rock with great resilience as he completed unbeaten on 40, and a vital partnership with Boland of 55 for the last wicket has put Australia in an advantageous psychological position ahead of the final day of the Test.

India, on the other hand, would hope for a quick kill of the last wicket on Day 5 to prevent the Australian side from further pushing the lead. The final day, therefore, is set to be a crucial balance between both teams.

India’s Bowlers Excel Despite Australian Resistance

 

Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj were the highlights of India on Day 4. Bumrah was especially good, proving to be an important part of the Indian attack, as he became the fastest Indian to reach 200 wickets in Test cricket. Siraj also bowled well, showcasing his skill and determination to keep the Australian batsmen under pressure.

Ravindra Jadeja was not that visible on the day but still contributed by picking an important wicket. It ensured Australia’s progress was constantly being halted by the Indian bowlers. Even the tailenders were frustrating the Indian attack, but the bowlers will be more than happy to finish the job on Day 5.

Match Heading Toward an Exciting IND vs AUS, Finale

With one day remaining in the IND vs AUS match, the result is still in the balance. Australia’s lead of 333 runs is quite solid, but India’s bowlers will be looking to get rid of the last Australian wicket as early as possible. The Indian batting line-up, however, will have to show great resilience if they are to chase down the target or hold on for a draw.

The Melbourne pitch has largely been flat so far which makes batting on the fourth day an uphill task for both sides. In case India wins or draws, they shall have to bat out the last day or chase the needed runs in case of have a target to chase at all.

Important Performances of Day 4

– Jasprit Bumrah (India): 4 wickets for 56 runs in 24 overs – he continues to go through a golden period with the ball again.

– Mohammad Siraj (India): 3 wickets for 66 runs in 22 overs – played a crucial role in keeping the Australian batsmen in check.

– Pat Cummins and Marnus Labuschagne (Australia):** Partnership of 57 runs for the seventh wicket, helping Australia recover.

– Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland (Australia):** 55-run unbroken stand for the 10th wicket, extending Australia’s lead.

Looking Ahead to IND vs AUS, Day 5

The final day of the Melbourne Test is set up for a great finish.

India would look for an early drawstruck, while Australia would look to increase the lead and put pressure on India. Both ways, the result seems to tilt in favor of Australia due to its lead by 333 runs. As both teams get set up for the final day of action, Melbourne Cricket Ground will be the stage for what will assuredly be an electrifying finish.

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