The stage is set for an unforgettable finish to the Boxing Day Test between Australia and India in Melbourne, with day four providing a thrilling build-up to a potential nail-biter on Monday.
After a dramatic sequence of events, Australia finished the day at 228/9, increasing their lead to 333 runs, with Nathan Lyon (41) and Scott Boland (10) at the crease. The pair had added a vital 55 runs for the final wicket, keeping Australia in a commanding position.
India will now face a record-breaking chase if they are to secure victory, needing 334 runs to win. The highest successful fourth-innings chase at the MCG is 332/7, achieved by England in 1928.
But India, who successfully chased 328 runs for a historic win at the Gabba during their last tour, have a strong team in place and will be hopeful of replicating their earlier success, particularly on a pitch that remains favorable for batting.
Australia, meanwhile, will be buoyed by their recent experience of defending a target on the final day, having dismissed India for just 234 in the fourth innings during the ICC World Test Championship Final at The Oval in 2023. The team will look to build on that confidence when the match resumes.
India’s hopes of a comeback were fueled by a superb spell from Jasprit Bumrah, who took 4/56 and sent Australia’s top order into disarray. After Australia was dismissed for 369 in their first innings, Bumrah helped India claw back into the game by removing key batters like Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, and Steve Smith. Mohammed Siraj also added to Australia’s woes, dismissing Usman Khawaja and sending a tense MCG crowd into a frenzy.
Australia’s middle order then crumbled, with Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, and Alex Carey falling quickly, leaving the hosts struggling at 91/6. However, Marnus Labuschagne (70) and captain Pat Cummins (41) managed to steady the ship, and the tailenders Lyon and Boland’s resistance left Australia in a strong position heading into the final day.
With both teams eyeing victory and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy up for grabs, the race to qualify for the World Test Championship Final adds an extra layer of excitement.
Australia, in second place, and India, in third, will be eager to secure a win to boost their chances of reaching Lord’s in June 2025.
