The fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground has reached a thrilling stage. On Day 4, India made a strong comeback, tightening their grip on the match with a fiery bowling display. By the tea break, Australia was struggling at 135/6, holding a lead of 240 runs. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj were the stars of the day, dismantling Australia’s batting lineup. However, the partnership between Marnus Labuschagne and Pat Cummins has become a roadblock for India, keeping the hosts in the game.
As the final session of the day unfolds, the match hangs in the balance, with both teams fighting hard to gain the upper hand.
Table of Contents
India’s Dominance in the Second Session
The second session of Day 4 belonged to India, as the bowlers wreaked havoc on the Australian batting lineup.
- Bumrah’s Magic:
Jasprit Bumrah was at his lethal best, picking up three crucial wickets in the session. He dismissed Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Alex Carey, breaking the backbone of Australia’s middle order. Bumrah’s ability to generate pace and movement on a relatively flat pitch has been a game-changer for India. - Siraj’s Support:
Mohammed Siraj provided excellent support to Bumrah, dismissing Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja earlier in the innings. Siraj’s fiery spells and consistent line and length kept the Australian batsmen under constant pressure.
By the tea break, India had taken four wickets in the session, leaving Australia reeling.
Labuschagne and Cummins: Australia’s Last Hope
Despite India’s dominance, Marnus Labuschagne and Pat Cummins have shown resilience, stitching together a crucial partnership for the seventh wicket.
- Labuschagne’s Grit:
Labuschagne has been the anchor for Australia, scoring a determined half-century. His knock of 68 runs off 105 balls has been a testament to his patience and skill. However, he was given a lifeline when Yashasvi Jaiswal dropped his catch early in the innings. - Cummins’ Support:
Australian skipper Pat Cummins has once again stepped up in a crisis. Known for his ability to contribute with the bat, Cummins has added 24 runs to the partnership and is providing solid support to Labuschagne.
Their partnership has crossed the 50-run mark, frustrating the Indian bowlers and keeping Australia’s hopes alive.
India’s Strategy for the Final Session
As the third session begins, India’s focus will be on breaking the Labuschagne-Cummins partnership as quickly as possible.
- Bumrah and Siraj’s Role:
Bumrah and Siraj will once again lead the attack, looking to exploit any weaknesses in the Australian batting. Bumrah’s ability to deliver in crunch moments will be crucial, while Siraj’s energy and aggression can create opportunities. - Spin Options:
Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin could also play a key role in the final session, especially if the pitch starts to offer some turn.
India will aim to wrap up the Australian innings before the lead crosses 300, giving their batsmen a realistic target to chase on the final day.
Australia’s Plan to Extend the Lead
For Australia, the goal is simple: bat as long as possible and extend the lead beyond 300 runs.
- Labuschagne’s Role:
Labuschagne will need to continue his gritty innings and convert it into a big score. His ability to rotate the strike and punish loose deliveries will be key. - Lower-Order Contributions:
Cummins and the remaining Australian batsmen will need to chip in with valuable runs. Every run from here on will add to the pressure on India in the fourth innings.
Key Moments of Day 4
- Bumrah’s Double Strike:
After dismissing Steve Smith, Bumrah sent Travis Head back to the pavilion on the very next ball, putting India in the driver’s seat. - Siraj’s Breakthrough:
Siraj’s dismissal of Usman Khawaja was a turning point in the first session, as it broke Australia’s opening stand and gave India the momentum. - Labuschagne’s Lifeline:
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dropped catch of Labuschagne could prove costly for India. Labuschagne has made the most of the opportunity, holding the innings together for Australia.
Conclusion
The Aus vs Ind 4th Test has turned into a gripping contest, with both teams fighting tooth and nail for dominance. India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, have brought the team back into the game with a stellar performance. However, the partnership between Marnus Labuschagne and Pat Cummins has kept Australia in the hunt, setting up an exciting final session on Day 4.
As the day progresses, the focus will be on whether India can break this partnership and wrap up the Australian innings quickly. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on the line, every run and every wicket will be crucial. Fans can expect a thrilling finish to this Test match as both teams battle for supremacy.
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FAQs
1. What is the current status of the Aus vs Ind 4th Test?
At the end of the second session on Day 4, Australia is at 135/6, with a lead of 240 runs. Marnus Labuschagne (68*) and Pat Cummins (24*) are at the crease, fighting to extend the lead. India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, have been exceptional, taking six wickets so far.
2. What does India need to do to win this match?
India needs to dismiss the remaining four Australian wickets quickly and restrict the lead to under 300 runs. This will give their batsmen a realistic target to chase on the final day. The key will be to maintain pressure and capitalize on any mistakes by the Australian batsmen.
