India’s hopes of making it to the World Test Championship (WTC) final for the third time in a row took a big hit as they lost the Boxing Day Test against Australia by 184 runs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Chasing a tough target of 340, Team India was bowled out for just 155 on the final day of the fourth Test.
On the other hand, Australia boosted their chances of reaching the WTC Final at Lord’s next year, likely facing South Africa. The Proteas already confirmed their spot in the WTC final after a thrilling two-wicket win against Pakistan at Centurion.
Match Highlights: India vs Australia, 4th Test
- Series Update: With this win, Australia took an unbeatable 2-1 lead in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The final Test starts on Friday, January 3, at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
- Fightback by India: Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant gave India some hope till the tea break on the final day. However, Pant’s dismissal triggered a batting collapse, with India losing 7 wickets for just 34 runs.
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Australia’s Domination on Day 1
Australia added a surprise element by including 19-year-old Sam Konstas, who played a fearless knock. His quick 60 runs off 65 balls set the tone for Australia’s strong batting performance.
- Support from Other Batters: Usman Khawaja scored 57, and Marnus Labuschagne added 72. Australia ended Day 1 at 311/6, with Steve Smith unbeaten on 68.
Steve Smith’s Record-Breaking Century
Steve Smith was the star on Day 2, scoring his 34th Test hundred. This was his 11th century against India, breaking the record he previously shared with Joe Root (10 centuries). Smith’s 140-run knock powered Australia to a massive 474 runs in their first innings.
India’s First Innings Struggles
India’s start wasn’t great, with captain Rohit Sharma falling early. Although Jaiswal (82) and Virat Kohli steadied the innings briefly, a mix-up between them led to Jaiswal’s run-out. India ended Day 2 at 164/5, struggling to match Australia’s total.
- Nitish Reddy and Washington Sundar Partnership: On Day 3, the duo stitched together a vital 127-run partnership, helping India avoid the follow-on and eventually posting 369 runs.
Bumrah’s Heroics and India’s Missed Chances
Jasprit Bumrah took his 200th Test wicket, achieving a historic sub-20 bowling average. However, dropped catches by Jaiswal allowed Australia to recover in their second innings. Contributions from Labuschagne (70) and Nathan Lyon (41) set India a target of 340 runs.
India’s Batting Collapse
India’s chase began poorly, losing three quick wickets for just 33 runs. Jaiswal (84) and Pant (30) fought back with an 88-run stand, but Pant’s dismissal triggered a collapse. The rest of the batters failed to contribute, and India fell short by 184 runs.
Final Takeaway
India’s performance in Melbourne highlighted missed opportunities and inconsistency in batting. As they prepare for the final Test in Sydney, it remains to be seen how the team will bounce back.
