The fourth Test of the India-Australia series was a thriller, as this match ended with a thumping 184-run victory on Day 5 for the Australians. This victory has given the hosts a commanding 2-1 lead over the five-match series as they dominated the game full of twists and turns. Here is all the action from the action-filled Test.
Day 1: Australia Starts Strong
Australia laid a solid foundation on Day 1, finishing at 311/6. The experienced Steve Smith anchored the innings with an unbeaten 68*, joined by Pat Cummins (8*). Debutant Sam Konstas dazzled with a remarkable 60, marking his arrival on the international stage in style. Contributions from Usman Khawaja (57) and Marnus Labuschagne (72) ensured the hosts capitalized on a good batting surface.
India’s Jasprit Bumrah, as expected, was the standout performer with the ball, picking up 3/75. Bumrah’s precision and ability to strike at crucial moments kept India in the game despite Australia’s dominance.
Day 2: India Stumbles Under Pressure
Australia extended their total to a formidable 474 in the first session of Day 2. Steve Smith reached his 34th Test century, steering the innings as Australia added 143 runs in the morning session. Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar claimed three wickets each, preventing further carnage.
India’s response began on a shaky note. Rohit Sharma, promoted to open, fell for just 3 runs, and KL Rahul departed for 24 by Tea. A solid partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli (102 runs) briefly steadied the innings, but a disastrous mix-up saw Jaiswal run out for 82. Scott Boland then struck twice, dismissing Kohli (36) and nightwatchman Akash Deep (0), leaving India reeling at 164/5 by stumps, still trailing by 310 runs.
Day 3: Rain and Reddy Rescue India
Rain interrupted most of Day 3, but when play resumed, it was the young 21-year-old Nitish Kumar Reddy, who batted his heart out, walking in at 191/6 to bat till the close to make 105 off 176 balls. His match-saving partnership of 127 with Washington Sundar (50) saw India avoid the follow-on and inch nearer to Australia's total.
At stumps, India were at 358/8, trailing by just 116 runs. While Reddy’s heroics inspired hope, India’s top-order failure remained a concern.
Day 4: Australia Extends Lead Despite Bumrah’s Heroics
India’s innings folded for 369 early on Day 4, handing Australia a lead of 105 runs. The visitors, however, struck back with Jasprit Bumrah leading the charge. Bumrah’s 4/56 included his 200th Test wicket, making him the fastest Indian pacer to achieve the milestone.
Despite losing wickets regularly, Australia’s lower order stepped up. Pat Cummins’ gritty 41 and an unbeaten 55-run partnership between Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland for the last wicket pushed the lead to a challenging 333.
Day 5: India Falters in the Chase
Chasing 340, the Indian batting collapsed under pressure. There was a magnificent fight from Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored 84, before a disputable dismissal curtailed his innings. Rishabh Pant's attacking approach backfired, while the batting experienced trio, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli were in no shape to return at the big stage.
Pat Cummins was the bowler that stood out best with figures of 3/28, as did Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, and Scott Boland, as they contributed towards bowling India out for 155
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple Agencies
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