Indian seamer Jasprit Bumrah showcased his bowling prowess during day four of the fourth Test match between Australia and India in Melbourne. With figures of 4-56 in 24 overs, Bumrah kept India’s hopes of victory alive in a match that Australia mostly dominated. Despite his impressive performance, Australia managed to reach 228-9, leading by 333 runs, thanks to a resilient final-wicket stand of 55 runs.
Australia, leading by 105 runs on the first innings, faced a collapse, losing four wickets for 11 runs in the middle of the second session. However, Marnus Labuschagne and Pat Cummins revitalized their innings with a crucial 57-run partnership. Labuschagne scored 70 while Cummins contributed with 41, helping Australia solidify their position in the match. Both teams are eager to take a 2-1 lead in the series as they head into the fifth and final Test in Sydney.
Bumrah, who has claimed 29 wickets in the series, continued his dominance with brilliant bowling under challenging conditions at Melbourne. The 31-year-old surpassed 200 Test wickets and holds the lowest bowling average of 19.45 among bowlers who have achieved this milestone. Labuschagne, despite facing Bumrah’s relentless deliveries, remained composed during his innings of 139 balls. He was fortunate to survive a dropped catch before eventually being dismissed lbw by Mohammed Siraj.
Siraj’s impressive bowling, with figures of 3-66, led to Australia’s middle-order collapse. He dismissed key batsmen like Steve Smith and Travis Head, while Bumrah took care of Mitchell Marsh and Alex Carey. Australia’s lower-order batsmen showcased resilience, with Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland adding crucial runs, extending their lead to 333 runs at the end of day four. Australia continues to hold a stronger position on a pitch showing signs of variable bounce.
Despite India’s dismissal for 369 in response to Australia’s 474 in the first innings, featuring a maiden century by Nitish Kumar Reddy, the team remains hopeful of chasing down the target. Reddy, with a score of 114, emphasized the team’s capability to chase a large total with determination and focus. As the series progresses into the fifth Test, both India and Australia are determined to secure a victory and gain the upper hand in the series.
