🏏Australia vs India, 4th Test: Melbourne, 26 - 30 Dec 2024: Day 5 🏏 - Page 72

Siraj once again provided the important breakthrough as he trapped Labuschagne LBW after he had notched up his second 70 in the game. Starc soon followed and even then it looked India were slightly ahead as the lead was just 261. But the last two wickets have added 72 runs and stretched the lead to 333. India tried everything to break the final wicket partnership but they couldn't get past Lyon and Boland's resistance. Bumrah had Lyon caught at slip in the final over of the day but he had overstepped. Will Australia continue batting tomorrow? Or will they leave India a target of 334 in 96 overs? Day 5 promises to be a cracker and we will be here for the early start - 10:00 local.

10th wkt pairs surviving 50+ balls in partnerships in each innings

Afaq Hussain & Haseeb Ahsan vs Eng Lahore 1961 (9.2 & 18.1 overs)

Nathan Lyon & Scott Boland vs Ind Melbourne 2024 (8.3 & 17.4 overs)

Phew. What a long and eventful day, and if anything summed it up, it was that edge from Lyon that Rahul spilled, only to catch between his shins, only for the umpire to signal no-ball and deny Bumrah his five-for. He's bowled like an absolute champion to keep India in this game and even inspire visions of a remarkable come-back-from-behind win, but he's also been bowled into the ground here. Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon have now batted together for 110 balls, and Australia remain favourites to win, and the draw is probably the second-likeliest result now. As things stand, Australia are 333 ahead, so it will take something remarkable for India to chase this down even if Australia were to declare first thing tomorrow morning.

Sameer : "From an Indian point of view, Australia are doing a job for India here, aren't they? They've effectively reduced 20 overs from what India would have had to face. Protected Indian openers from facing an awkward hour at the end of the day. And displayed their negative mindset, by not pushing for a win. All for an extra 40 runs. Agreed 91/6 was a much better position but this is coming from 5 down and 310 behind. Glass half full?" -- It's definitely one way of looking at it.

It's a tricky situation for both the teams.

By prolonging the declaration, Australia in a way, helped India. Now with only one day in hand, India has a chance to survive?!!

India tried everything to break the final wicket partnership but they couldn't get past Lyon and Boland's resistance. Bumrah had Lyon caught at slip in the final over of the day but he had overstepped. Will Australia continue batting today or will declare to see whether the Indian batters will be able to bat throughout the day and survive?? Or, to gain a victory by outperforming with ball as well?!

It is interesting to see...

Originally posted by: SoniRita

Stumps, Day 4: Who will be the happier side? Is it Australia who recovered from 91/6 to go past 200? Or is it India who are still in this contest even after conceding a 105-run lead? The day started with India adding 10 runs to their overnight total before being bowled out. Bumrah then had his revenge when he cleaned up Konstas with an absolute jaffa. Siraj stepped up today and bowled a superb spell either side of lunch where he accounted for Khawaja and Smith. Bumrah then returned and broke Australia's backbone with figures of 3-1-4-3. At that stage it seemed India had the upper hand but a couple of dropped catches by Jaiswal allowed Labuschagne and Cummins to stitch a partnership.

There were at least 4 close ball wickets Bumrah lost, those dropped catches and the wicket on a no ball, even that catch by Rahul was superb, but alas.

Actually I am surprised, Cummins didn't declare the innings and asked India to bat in last 2 overs. They were at a good 300+ lead..

Unfortunately after that superb spell, Bumrah flattered

https://www.instagram.com/p/DEKXOu4hTje/?igsh=MWgwaWVlY2V1amxlOQ==

Originally posted by: FlauntPessimism

There were at least 4 close ball wickets Bumrah lost, those dropped catches and the wicket on a no ball, even that catch by Rahul was superb, but alas.

Actually I am surprised, Cummins didn't declare the innings and asked India to bat in last 2 overs. They were at a good 300+ lead..

Unfortunately after that superb spell, Bumrah flattered

Rohit is making Bumrah overwork. Bumrah needs good amount of rest before CT.

Originally posted by: SlatePencil

https://www.instagram.com/p/DEKXOu4hTje/?igsh=MWgwaWVlY2V1amxlOQ==

Originally posted by: SlatePencil

Rohit is making Bumrah overwork. Bumrah needs good amount of rest before CT.

Yaa he was super tired at the end but rohit still went for him..why not utilise nitish rana or washington....its not that they are not capable at all..It seems he only comsiders bumrah as a bowler - rest are only fillers..