Ind vs Aus 4th Test, Day 4: AUS 228/9, Lead India by 333 Runs

A Flipping Day of Test Cricket Match

Day 4 of the India vs Australia 4th Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) was a rollercoaster, with great plays from both sides. India’s pace bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah became the first cricketer in the history of Test cricket to take 200 wickets at an average of less than 20 while  Mohammed Siraj regained his composure and picked three wickets. Australia extended their lead to 333 runs and created a defining last pair between Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland with a score of 22 and then 10 respectively

Key Highlights of Day 4

Bumrah’s record breaking feat

Australia’s batting sequences suffered immense pressure due to Bumrah’s spells which became a common sight throughout the course of the test . His personal milestone of 200th wicket came when he dismissed Travis Head, making him the joint second-fastest Indian bowler to achieve the milestone in Tests. He took 4 wickets in this inning so far. India had slim chances due to Australia’s lead, but Bumrah’s smooth outswinging yorkers enabled Indian fielders to remain within catching distance

Labuschagne’s Lucky Escape

Two escapes pawed for Labuschagne whereby in the second innings he managing to grab his fifties for the second time in that match with a score of 70 off 139.

Last Wicket Woes

When it seemed that the Australia’s innings was coming to an end, Nathan Lyon surpassed each of Indians plans together with Scott Boland. Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon displayed a solid defense and added  55 unbeaten runs for 10th wicket to push Australia to cross 300 plus score. Nathan Lyon, the wily stubborn off-spinner contributed with bat, scoring a crucial 41* from 54 balls along the ropes. tt was amazing to see Boland step up and do the tough yard as he faced 65 balls to defend himself. In this way, their joint efforts saw Australia set up a mammoth lead of 333 runs and take sheer control of the match going into Day 5.

Considering the Drawback, India’s Bowling was Decent

On that stage, the Indian bowling attack had some articulation of confusion but each of their pacers, Bumrah and Siraj were able to lead the line:

• Siraj’s Redemption: Mohammed Siraj failed to impress in the opening innings but made an impressive comeback by pitching out Steve Smith, Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja.
• Jadeja and Akash Deep: Both of these bowlers supported pacers but struggled enough to get through the Australian tail enders.
• Missed Opportunities: Jaiswal Yashasvi dropped two catches had paid off as Australia made the best advantage of lapses in Indian side.

What Next: Looking ahead to Day 5

India has set themselves sky high difficulty being an 333 run deficit in comparison to Australia, as Indian fans will be quite disappointed watching the stalemate, India’s target seems drastic. India’s aim to perform valiantly surely does exist, but somehow Australia doesn’t lack the confidence needed to perform beautifully.

India’s Chances: For India to achieve a miraculous win, they will have to defy the odds and come up with a record chasing performance while all batters get numerous runs. The highest successful chase ever witnessed at the MCG since the year 2000 is 183, emphasizing the difficulty of the task. England holds the record for highest successful chase at the MCG, by making 332 runs vs Australia in 1928. If India chases 334 or more runs successfully on Day 5, it will be highest successful run chase at MCG.

Australia’s Strategy: With a comfortable lead, the hosts might go for a timely declaration, which will give bowlers enough time to get rid of India.