India vs Australia Melbourne Test:
The fourth match of the 5-match Test series under the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia is being held in Melbourne. The fourth day (December 29) was filled with thrilling action. India had the upper hand right from the start of Australia's second innings.
However, by stumps on the fourth day, Australia turned the tables with a solid last-wicket partnership. The hosts were 228 for 9 at the end of the day, having achieved a 105-run lead from their first innings.
In their second innings, Australia extended their lead to a total of 333 runs, with the final wicket yet to fall. India had seized a commanding position earlier at 173 for 8. Australia was then leading by just 278 runs.
Siraj's Dropped Chance on Lyon Proved Costly
Afterwards, a dropped catch and a no-ball left India trailing. The golden opportunity to dismiss Australia at 174 was lost due to a dropped catch. Mohammad Siraj had bowled the 66th over.
The first ball was a length delivery outside off, which Nathan Lyon edged skywards. Siraj had the chance to catch it, but it slipped through his fingers. This mistake proved dangerous for India.
Source: aajtak
Lyon was on 5 runs at that time, but by stumps on the fourth day, he had scored an unbeaten 41 runs. His partner, Scott Boland, was on 10 runs, contributing to an unbroken 55-run partnership from 110 balls for the 10th wicket. If Siraj had taken the catch, this partnership wouldn’t have flourished.
Bumrah's Last Over Blunder
Jasprit Bumrah bowled the final over of the fourth day. In this 82nd over, on the fourth ball, Nathan Lyon seemed caught out, with KL Rahul making a remarkable slip catch off the edge.
But Bumrah's overstepped foot meant the ball was ruled a no-ball. Thus, Rahul's effort went unrewarded, and Lyon got another life. The play ended there for the day. It remains to be seen how costly the missed catch will prove on the final day.
55 Runs for the 10th Wicket
Australia, after winning the toss, decided to bat first, amassing 474 runs. India responded with 369 runs in their first innings, giving Australia a 105-run lead.
By the end of the fourth day, Australia were 228 for 9 with Lyon not out on 41 and Boland on 10. Their last stand produced an unbeaten 55-run partnership from 110 balls. So far, Australia has secured a lead of 333 runs in their second innings.
