On an exciting day of test cricket at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia and India They engaged in a fierce battle that showcased notable individual performances and shifting momentum. As day 4 unfolded, jasprit bumrahThe exceptional bowling dismantled the Australian middle order, while Natalia Lyon and Scott BolandIndia’s resistance thwarted India’s attempts to conclude the innings.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s resistance ends at the start of day 4
Nitish Kumar Reddy He emerged as a ray of hope for India with his maiden Test century, scoring 114 runs in a valiant effort that kept India competitive. His innings was characterized by a combination of solid defense and aggressive strokeplay, particularly during a record-breaking eighth-wicket partnership with Washington Sundar. Together, they added 127 runs, significantly reducing Australia’s first innings lead from 311 to a manageable 116 before Reddy fell to Lyon early in the day. His century not only showed his potential but also brought life back to the Indian camp at a time when it was desperately needed.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Jasprit Bumrah registers unique record after surpassing 200-wicket milestone in MCG Test
Jasprit Bumrah’s fire outbreak on the 4th
Bumrah continued to assert his dominance with the ball, claiming four wickets for 56 runs, including the crucial scalps of travis head, michel marshand Alex Carey in a devastating spell that left Australia reeling at 99 for 6. This performance marked Bumrah’s 200th Test wicket, a major milestone that underlined his status as one of the world’s leading fast bowlers. After lunch, Bumrah’s incessant pressure forced Steve Smith on a reckless trip, which was expertly captured by Mohammed Sirajfurther deepening Australia’s woes as they struggled to build momentum in their second innings.
Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland hold firm to end the day
As India looked to capitalize on their bowling success, Lyon and Boland proved to be formidable obstacles. The duo combined for an unbroken last-wicket partnership that frustrated the Indian bowlers and extended Australia’s lead to 333 runs at stumps. Lyon’s brave performance included an unbeaten 41 runs, during which he survived a close call when he edged one to slip, only for Bumrah to overshoot. This moment epitomized the tension of the day as India missed crucial opportunities to claim wickets.
The final push to decide the destiny on the 5th
Heading into Day 5, India faces an uphill battle. No team has managed to reach a target higher than 332 at the MCG in the history of the fourth innings, making their task daunting. Ghosts of past encounters loom large as memories of India’s historic victory at the Gabba in 2021 resurface. With Bumrah at the helm and Reddy’s exploits fresh in the mind, India must muster all their resolve to challenge Australia’s total. As the day concluded with Australia at 228 for 9, leading by 333 runs, the stage is set for a thrilling finish.
This is how Twitter reacted:
VIRAT KOHLI 🤝 JASPRIT BUMRAH
– King Kohli and Bumrah’s aggression celebration after Australia Wickets fall…!!🔥 pic.twitter.com/NMMRgAPJFV
— MANU. (@Manojy9812) December 29, 2024
AUSTRALIA ENDS ON DAY 4 AFTER RATING FROM 91/6 TO 228/9. 🤯
– Day 5.
– 96 overs.
– Australia with a lead of 333 runs.REMOVE ROHIT SHARMA
“CLOTHLESS CAPTAIN”(Nathan Lyon has scored more runs in a single innings than Roshit’s entire runs) pic.twitter.com/YrpdSPWjGh
— 𝔸𝕃𝕎𝔸𝕐𝕊𝔽𝔸𝕋ℍ𝔼ℝ (@harsh_hpt) December 29, 2024
Nathan Lyon has scored more runs (41*) in this innings than Rohit Sharma (22) in this series.
You have a chance to fix it tomorrow!#INDvsAUS #BGT2024
-Anand (@anandkumarn) December 29, 2024
The 55 runs added by Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland will make it difficult for India to reach the target on Day 5.
Pursuing the goal won’t be easy, but small contributions, like those from Australian players, can make a significant difference.#INDvAUS #INDvsAUS…
– Kamlesh Yadav (@kamleshyadav242) December 29, 2024
Australia, despite being beaten by Jasprit Bumrah, held firm thanks to a fearless and defiant Nathan Lyon and resolute Scott Boland, who added 55 runs for the last wicket, strengthening the lead to 333.
At one point, reduced to 91-6, India should have moved on. Marnus Labuschagne… pic.twitter.com/MA2fQZJGeN
– Dr. Nauman Niaz (@DrNaumanNiaz) December 29, 2024
Jasprit Bumrah bowled more than 50 overs (28 overs in the first and 24 overs in the second innings) in the fourth Test alone. The tiredness was evident and he bowled several no-balls and even Nathan Lyon scored a boundary with his ball. #INDvAUS #JaspritBumrah #boomboom #jassibhai #captaincy pic.twitter.com/EB6HJJje1Y
– Shankar Parichay (@Shanky_Parihar) December 29, 2024
Nathan Lyon and Boland playing as 100 Balls 10th wicket partnership at MCG…#AUSWIND pic.twitter.com/H1EAflCgRM
-Muffabhai bahra (@Singhdhakad47) December 29, 2024
dilute poor #captaincy to the name of #YashasviJaiswal
While Boland and Nathan Lyon played more than 15 overs under this fielding configuration.
Enna da campo installed under the lam #AUSWIND #AUSvINDIA pic.twitter.com/03OflmdtmF— Ş𝕟Ƭ♄↳ᵏ𝔪☈ (@snthl_kmr05) December 29, 2024
Jasprit Bumrah bowled 23 overs in 8 spells of the first 72 overs.
– India must be careful about managing its workload. We have 8 huge months ahead of us.
— Monu Singh (🇮🇳 Bihari 🇮🇳) (@OfficialMonuak1) December 29, 2024
Petition to build Sir Jasprit Bumrah statue outside Wankhade stadium as soon as possible 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/5yoNOJMCMB
— No luck (@Luckyytweets) December 29, 2024