Melbourne, December 30, 2024: Australia pulled off a dramatic victory in the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, dismantling India’s batting order in the final session to secure a 184-run win and take a 2-1 lead in the five-match Border-Gavaskar series.
India, chasing an improbable target of 340 runs, crumbled to 155 all out with only 12.5 overs remaining in the match. The hosts will head into the final Test in Sydney on Friday needing only a draw to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, while India must win to level the series.
Australian skipper Pat Cummins led from the front, delivering a match-defining performance with figures of 3-28 in the second innings and six wickets across the Test. Cummins also contributed 90 runs with the bat, marking the highest match tally of his career.
India appeared poised to save the match as Yashasvi Jaiswal (84) and Rishabh Pant (30) batted through the second session, taking the team to 112-3 at tea. However, Pant’s dismissal—a rash shot caught in the deep off part-time spinner Travis Head—triggered a catastrophic collapse.
India lost their final seven wickets for just 34 runs in 20.3 overs. Key contributions from Australia’s bowlers sealed the victory: Scott Boland claimed 3-39, Nathan Lyon 2-37, and Cummins struck at crucial moments.
Jaiswal’s valiant 208-ball innings ended in controversy. Initially given not out to a caught-behind appeal, the decision was overturned by the TV umpire based on visual evidence of the ball’s deviation, despite no audible edge being detected.
India’s lower order offered little resistance. Akash Deep was caught at short leg off Boland, Jasprit Bumrah recorded his second duck of the match, and Mohammed Siraj was trapped lbw by Lyon. Washington Sundar remained unbeaten on five after a determined 45-ball stay.
Earlier in the day, India’s hopes were dented as seasoned batters Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli fell for single-digit scores in the morning session.
Australia’s dominant display was epitomized by Cummins’ all-round brilliance, setting up a thrilling finale in Sydney with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at stake.
