Australia restricted India’s advantage to take control of the last Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, taking a 333-run lead into day night. Last two wickets were coming and Scott Boland, once again changed the scenario and took total control of Australia going to the Indian team.
Lyon-Boland Partnership Retains India on the Periphery
India’s bowlers, especially the top-sơn Jasprit Bumrah, had to work hard but could not manage to get rid of the Australian tailenders. The two batsmen in Lyon and Boland provided a fighting 55 runs for the last wicket off 17.5 overs against the Indian bowling attack. Beginning rather sedately, the two steadily upped the ante spanking any loose deliveries beforehand. Lyon, famous for his ability to bat through a day, got 41 and Boland supported him with 10 n.o.
India’s best bowler in the game was Jasprit Bumrah who took four wickets, he only missed out his five- wicket haul by a mere whisker. But in a crucial time he bowled a no-ball which denied him a chance to clean up Australian innings. Even though Bumrah bowled brilliantly, India failed to get through the final wicket stand that proved decisive in taking the Australian lead.
India’s Missed Opportunities
Still India lost the plot when they delayed taking the second new ball which should have come much later in the day. Unfortunately for the Kiwi partnership, Lyon and Boland developed the partnership consistently. The Indian bowlers seemed to tire out and the initiative was once again with the home side. Rohit Sharma and the Indian team management will definitely go back to these tactics before facing the last day.
Bumrah excelled but he got very little help from the other bowlersırak
Among all the bowlers in the Indian team, Bumrah rose higher in that match with his fiery spell. He attacked the Australian batting line up with both pace and swing to end with bowling statistics of 4/62. Nevertheless, he was poorly backed-up by the other bowlers in the team. Ashwin and Siraj got important wickets but lacked that kind of bowling that can bowl Aussies out in the first innings.
Australia’s Morale Soars
Lyon and Boland have displayed a lot of fighting spirit that has given Australia a big mental advantage going into the final day. India has its work cut out for it as they will have to chase 334 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground – a record run-chase in Australia for India. Australian fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins will start their operations as night bowlers to take advantage of the new ball and put India under pressure.
What Lies Ahead for India
This volume is a big problem for India on the fifth day of the tournament. And with the pitch likely to get only worse, the match target of 334 runs to win will seriously tax the lower order batting and fighting spirit. Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma along with Virat Kohli will have to perform at their best to provide a realistic shot of defeating new Zealand. The team will also depend on the middle order player to stabilize an innings and tackle the Australian bowling prowess.
Live Score Summary
Australia: 474 for 4 and 228/9 on the last day: Lyon 41 and Boland 10
India: 369
Australia leads by 333 runs
With Day 5 being due tomorrow cricket lovers all around look forward to a climax to this interesting Boxing Day cricket test. Is it finally the time for Indian batsmen to shine or will it be the end of the line for the Indian cricket team as champions-elect Australia dominate the proceedings? Great thing happened on the last day and that marks the end of winter wonderland.
