Melbourne Test: Australia Beats India by 184 Runs, Makes India’s Path to World Test Championship Final Tough
Melbourne: Australia defeated India by 184 runs in the Boxing Day Test match under the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
Chasing a target of 340 runs on the fifth day, the Indian team was bowled out for just 155 runs. Only Yashasvi Jaiswal showed some resistance, scoring a brilliant 84 runs. Apart from him, Rishabh Pant made 30 runs. No other Indian batsman reached double figures.
The Indian team, chasing 340 runs, started cautiously with Yashasvi and Rohit Sharma putting up 25 runs for the first wicket. However, Pat Cummins struck in the same over, dismissing both Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, increasing India’s difficulties. Virat Kohli failed again, getting out for 5 runs, falling to Mitchell Starc at a total score of 33.
Yashasvi-Pant Revived India’s Innings
After these early wickets, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant put up a partnership of 88 runs for the fourth wicket, trying to bring India back into the match. But after lunch, at a total score of 121, Pant played an irresponsible shot off Travis Head’s delivery and was dismissed for 30 runs. After Pant’s dismissal, Ravindra Jadeja (2) and Nitish Reddy (1) followed quickly.
Controversial Dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal
After the fall of two quick wickets, expectations were from Washington Sundar and Yashasvi, but Yashasvi fell after playing a hook shot off Pat Cummins. Although the snickometer showed no disturbance, the video footage showed the ball brushing his glove, and the third umpire dismissed him. Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, who was in the commentary box, strongly opposed this decision. After Yashasvi’s dismissal, India’s innings collapsed, and they were all out for 155. Washington Sundar remained at one end with 5 runs.
Australia’s Bowlers Shine
For Australia, Pat Cummins and Scott Boland took 3 wickets each, while Nathan Lyon took 2 wickets, and Mitchell Starc and Travis Head took 1 wicket each.
With this victory, Australia’s chances of making it to the World Test Championship final are almost secured, while India’s path has become tougher.
Australia Sets a Target of 340 Runs
Earlier, Australia’s second innings ended at 234 runs today. Australia had gained a lead of 105 runs in their first innings, resulting in a total lead of 339 runs, and India was given a target of 340.
In the second innings, Marnus Labuschagne played a fine half-century, scoring 70 runs. Apart from him, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon scored 41 runs each. The highlight of the Australian innings was a 61-run partnership between Lyon and Boland for the last wicket, with Boland scoring an unbeaten 15.
India’s Bowlers in Action
For India, Jasprit Bumrah took 5 wickets, Mohammad Siraj 3, and Ravindra Jadeja 1 wicket.
India’s First Innings: 369 Runs
In India’s first innings, Nitish Reddy’s century, along with half-centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Washington Sundar, helped India post 369 runs. Nitish scored 114, Yashasvi made 82, and Sundar contributed 50 runs. Virat Kohli scored 36, and KL Rahul added 24 runs.
Australia’s First Innings: 474 Runs
Earlier, Australia had posted 474 runs in their first innings. Steve Smith played a magnificent knock of 140 runs. Usman Khawaja made 57, Marnus Labuschagne scored 72, and Sam Constance contributed 60 runs. Pat Cummins (49) and Alex Carey (31) also played important innings.
India’s Bowling Efforts
For India, Jasprit Bumrah took 4 wickets, Ravindra Jadeja 3, Akashdeep 2, and Washington Sundar took 1 wicket.