The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has proven to be an electrifying series, with the fourth Test in Melbourne providing a stunning example of Test cricket drama. On Day Four, Australia found themselves in a commanding position after a resilient batting performance, but India, led by the brilliance of Jasprit Bumrah, fought back valiantly. With the final day set to determine the fate of the series, both teams will be eyeing a crucial result, knowing that a win for either side will tilt the series in their favor.
Australia vs India: A Day of Nerve and Determination
Australia, starting the day with a first-innings lead of 105, were in a strong position. However, the Indian bowlers, particularly Bumrah, had other plans. After an impressive spell of bowling in the afternoon, India reduced Australia to 91-6, threatening to halt their progress. But Australia’s lower order, led by Marnus Labuschagne, showed great determination to ensure their team stayed in control.
Bumrah’s Brilliant Spell: A Turning Point in the Match
Jasprit Bumrah was once again at the heart of India’s fightback, producing a spell of bowling that had the Australian top order on edge. His figures of 4-56 included crucial wickets, including that of debutant Sam Konstas, who was bowled for eight, and Mitchell Marsh, who was dismissed for a duck. Bumrah’s sheer brilliance with the ball left Australia reeling, but a vital partnership between Labuschagne and captain Pat Cummins prevented the collapse from being catastrophic.
Australia’s response to Bumrah’s brilliance came in the form of gritty batting from Labuschagne, who played a defiant innings of 70. His ability to resist the pressure created by Bumrah’s spell was the backbone of Australia’s recovery. Labuschagne found an able partner in Cummins, who contributed 41 runs, adding a crucial 57 runs for the seventh wicket.
The Crucial Drops: A Missed Opportunity for India
India, despite their impressive bowling effort, let several chances slip through their fingers on Day Four. Yashasvi Jaiswal, in particular, was guilty of dropping two crucial catches. The first was Labuschagne at gully when he was on 46, and the second was Cummins at silly point when he was on 21. Both missed opportunities allowed Australia to continue building their innings and extend their lead.
Nathan Lyon also benefitted from a dropped chance when he was on five, as Mohammed Siraj failed to hold onto a catch during his follow-through. These dropped catches could prove to be costly for India, as the Australian tail managed to extend the lead further.
Australia’s Lower Order: Frustrating India
As the day wore on, Australia’s lower order came to the fore. Lyon, who was dropped earlier in the day, played a resilient knock, contributing 41 not out. He formed a crucial last-wicket partnership of 55 runs with Scott Boland, whose 10 not out proved vital in taking Australia’s lead past 300. The duo frustrated the Indian bowlers, especially as the pitch began to show signs of uneven bounce, making batting more challenging.
India’s bowlers, led by Bumrah, were visibly tired by the end of the day. Bumrah, in particular, appeared exhausted after bowling a long spell. Despite this, he had one final act of brilliance, dismissing Lyon in the final over of the day, only for Lyon to be reprieved by a no-ball. The drama on the field added to the tension, as Australia’s lead continued to grow, and the result of the match hung in the balance.
Australia vs India: The Final Day Awaits
With Australia’s lead standing at 333 runs, the final day of the fourth Test promises to be a thrilling encounter. India will require the highest successful fourth-innings chase at the Melbourne Cricket Ground if they are to win. The current record for the highest successful chase is 332-7 by England in 1928, and no team has successfully chased more than 231 runs in the fourth innings since 1962. Australia, however, will be aware of India’s epic chase of 328 in the previous series at the Gabba, and this may have influenced their decision not to declare late on Day Four.
While the prospect of a draw remains, it would not serve India’s purpose in the context of the World Test Championship. A draw would mean that India’s hopes of reaching the final are no longer in their own hands. On the other hand, Australia would need to win the series outright to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, while India only needs a draw to retain it.
India’s Battle: Can Bumrah Lead Them to Victory?
India’s hopes of victory in the fourth Test rest largely on the shoulders of their bowlers, particularly Bumrah. His performance in this series has been nothing short of outstanding, with 29 wickets at an average of 12.75 across the four Tests. Bumrah’s brilliance has been the difference in many key moments, and if India is to mount a successful chase, they will need another masterful performance from their talismanic bowler.
Bumrah’s 200th wicket, which came during the dismissal of Travis Head, was a testament to his class. He became the first bowler to reach this landmark with an average under 20, solidifying his place as one of the world’s best fast bowlers. His ability to bowl under pressure has been a hallmark of his career, and he will need to summon all his experience to guide India to a historic win.
Australia vs India: The Final Push
Mitchell Starc, speaking after the close of play on Day Four, expressed his confidence in Australia’s position but acknowledged that the final day would be a challenge. “We have 98 overs on Monday. The new ball did a little bit more than Saturday, and it is going to be exciting,” Starc said. Australia will be hoping to make early breakthroughs on the final day and prevent India from getting off to a strong start in their chase.
Former Australia coach Darren Lehmann also weighed in on the situation, suggesting that Australia should have declared earlier. However, he acknowledged the importance of the tailenders’ performance, which has ensured that India faces an uphill task in the final innings. Lehmann believes that the draw is very much in play, particularly given the way the tailenders have shown resilience in tough conditions.
The Battle for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Continues
As the fourth Test between Australia and India enters its final day, the tension is palpable. With both teams battling not only for the match but for supremacy in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the outcome of this game will have significant implications for the series.
Australia will head into the final day with a 333-run lead, but India’s bowlers, led by Bumrah, will not give up without a fight. The dramatic final hour on Day Four, with Lyon and Boland battling through the fatigue and pressure, showed the determination that will be required from both sides to claim victory.
For India, the task is monumental, but with Bumrah leading the charge, anything is possible. For Australia, the match is in their hands, but they will need to continue their fight and ensure they do not let their advantage slip away. Whatever the result, this Test match has proven to be another captivating chapter in the ongoing saga of Australia vs India.
