Australia clinched a thrilling victory within the final session of the fourth Test match against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The win by 184 runs put Australia ahead 2-1 in the five-match series, with India needing to win the final Test in Sydney to level the series and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Australia captain Pat Cummins was named player of the match for his impressive performance with six wickets and 90 runs, in front of record crowds at the MCG.
India’s hopes of salvaging a draw were dashed as they crumbled to 155 all out, falling short of the 340-run target set by Australia. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant built a solid partnership, but Pant’s dismissal triggered a collapse as India lost their last seven wickets for just 34 runs. Australia’s calmness and belief in their abilities were key in forcing the victory in the final session, with Mitchell Starc highlighting the team’s determination to get the job done.
Cummins played a pivotal role in India’s collapse, taking crucial wickets and ultimately ending Jaiswal’s gritty innings. His impressive performance with the bat and ball throughout the match proved to be the difference for Australia. The match witnessed the highest attendance for any cricket game in Australia, with over 373,000 fans attending over five days. The intensity and competitiveness displayed by both teams made it one of the best Test matches in recent memory.
The match saw India’s final hopes dashed by a resilient performance from the Australian bowlers, led by Cummins, Starc, and Boland. The final-wicket stand between Lyon and Boland in Australia’s second innings was a crucial moment that swung the momentum in favor of the home team. Despite their best efforts, India couldn’t overcome the relentless bowling attack and fell short of the target set by Australia.
Australia’s victory was a result of the team’s collective effort and determination to succeed in a highly competitive series against India. The win not only put them ahead in the series but also showcased their ability to deliver under pressure in crucial moments. The series now moves to Sydney for the final Test, where both teams will be aiming for victory to claim the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With the series finely poised, the final Test is set to be a gripping contest between two top cricketing nations.
