Pat Cummins and Scott Boland shine as Australia secure a commanding victory over India, putting their World Test Championship hopes in jeopardy.
Melbourne [Australia], December 30: Australia delivered a dominant performance to defeat India by 184 runs in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Monday.
With this resounding victory, Australia has taken a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, while India’s path to the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final looks increasingly uncertain.
India’s Collapse in Final Session
India resumed the third session on Day 5 at 112/3, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant showing resilience against Australia’s bowling attack.
Game-Changing Moment:
In the 59th over, Travis Head delivered the breakthrough, dismissing Rishabh Pant (30). Pant attempted an aggressive lofted shot but was caught brilliantly by Mitchell Marsh at long-on.
Following Pant’s dismissal, Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon dismantled India’s middle order. Ravindra Jadeja (2) fell to Boland, while Nitish Kumar Reddy (1) was dismissed by Lyon, leaving India reeling at 132/6.
Controversial Dismissal of Jaiswal:
Yashasvi Jaiswal (84), who was India’s last hope, was controversially given out in the 71st over off Pat Cummins’ short ball. The on-field umpire initially declared him not out, but the decision was overturned after a DRS review showed the ball grazing Jaiswal’s glove before being caught by Alex Carey. The decision sparked jeers from Indian fans, with chants of “Cheater-Cheater” echoing in the stands.
Australia Seals Victory:
After Jaiswal’s dismissal, Akash Deep (7) and Jasprit Bumrah (0) were quickly removed by Scott Boland. Nathan Lyon delivered the final blow by dismissing Mohammed Siraj (0), sealing an emphatic 184-run victory for Australia.
Bowling Brilliance by Australia
- Pat Cummins: 3/28
- Scott Boland: 3/35
- Nathan Lyon: 2/40
- Mitchell Starc and Travis Head: 1 wicket each
Captain Pat Cummins and pacer Scott Boland led the Australian bowling attack with precision, consistently dismantling India’s batting order.
Series Standings and Outlook
With this win, Australia now leads the series 2-1 heading into the final Test. Meanwhile, India must win the next match to level the series and keep their hopes alive for the World Test Championship Final.
Brief Scores:
- Australia: 474 & 234 (Marnus Labuschagne 70, Nathan Lyon 41; Jasprit Bumrah 5/57)
- India: 369 & 155 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 84, Rishabh Pant 30; Pat Cummins 3/28)
The final Test promises to be a high-stakes battle as both teams aim to assert dominance in this fiercely contested series.
