On Day 4 of the 4th Border-Gavaskar Test in Melbourne, Australia’s tailenders—Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, and captain Pat Cummins—fought hard to frustrate India’s pace attack. Australia, which was once reduced to 91/6, ended the day at 228/9, with Lyon and Boland adding a crucial 55-run partnership. This spirited recovery has kept the possibility of all three results—win, loss, or draw—alive for the final day.
Bumrah’s Missed Opportunity
Jasprit Bumrah had a chance to take his fifth wicket but overstepped, and the no-ball nullified the opportunity. Earlier, Mohammed Siraj also missed a caught-and-bowled chance. These missed chances allowed Australia to extend their innings. Following Bumrah’s no-ball, Lyon and Boland added 21 more runs in the final two overs. Lyon remained unbeaten on 41, and Boland stood at 10*.
India’s Early Breakthroughs
India’s pacers made early breakthroughs in the second session. Bumrah dismissed Travis Head for just one run, reaching the milestone of becoming the fastest Indian bowler to pick up 200 Test wickets. He quickly followed up by removing Mitchell Marsh for a duck and Alex Carey for just two runs. India had reduced Australia to 135/6 at tea, putting the hosts under pressure.
Labuschagne and Cummins Provide Resistance
After the quick fall of six wickets, Marnus Labuschagne (70) and Pat Cummins (41) formed a vital 44-run partnership, with Labuschagne reaching his half-century. This stand ensured Australia stayed competitive in the match, but India remained determined to finish them off on Day 5.
India’s Innings Concludes
India resumed their innings at 358/9, with Nitish Kumar Reddy (105*) and Mohammed Siraj (2*) at the crease. Australia quickly dismissed India for 369 in just 21 balls, ending Reddy’s impressive knock. A key partnership of 127 runs between Reddy and Washington Sundar helped India recover and avoid a bigger collapse.
Australia’s Second Innings Struggles
Australia’s second innings got off to a shaky start, with Sam Konstas dismissed for 8 by Bumrah. Later, Mohammed Siraj removed Usman Khawaja for 21. The Aussie openers could only add 20 runs before falling to India’s bowlers.
Score Summary
- Australia: 474 & 228/9 (Labuschagne 70, Lyon 41*; Bumrah 4/56)
- India: 369 (Reddy 114, Jaiswal 82; Boland 3/57)
India will aim to dismiss the remaining Australian batsmen quickly on the final day, while Labuschagne and Cummins will look to extend Australia’s lead and fight for a possible draw or win.
