Australia Secures Victory in Fourth Test Against India

In the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-2025, held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Australia defeated India by 184 runs, taking a 2-1 lead in the series. The match showcased brilliant performances from both sides but ultimately saw the hosts emerge victorious.

Australia's First Innings

Australia started strong, posting a competitive total of 311 for 6 declared. Marnus Labuschagne scored a crucial 72 runs, while Steve Smith remained unbeaten with 68 runs. Jasprit Bumrah was India's standout bowler, picking up 3 wickets for 75 runs.

India's First Innings

In response, India managed to reach 348 for 8, thanks to a resilient 127-run partnership between Nitish Reddy and Washington Sundar for the eighth wicket. Sundar contributed a patient 50 off 162 balls, helping India avoid the follow-on.

Australia's Second Innings

Australia declared their second innings at 228 for 9, setting India a challenging target of 340 runs. A crucial 55-run partnership for the tenth wicket between Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland extended Australia's lead, putting pressure on India.

India's Second Innings Collapse

India's chase began with hope but faltered quickly. Despite a strong partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant, the team collapsed after Pant's dismissal. India was bowled out for 155 runs. Australian bowlers Pat Cummins and Scott Boland took three wickets each, while Nathan Lyon added two wickets to his tally.

Series Update

With this win, Australia has taken a commanding 2-1 lead in the series. The final Test in Sydney will be a do-or-die match for India as they look to level the series.

Bumrah Seals the Deal with a Spectacular Final Wicket!

Jasprit Bumrah's fifth wicket was an absolute belter! #AUSvIND | #DeliveredWithSpeed | @NBN_Australia pic.twitter.com/vfDI5gEN3n

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 29, 2024

AUS vs IND 4th TEST, BGT 2024-25: Day 5 - Session 1 Highlights

Key Points:

• Australia set a massive target for India with a total score of 369 in the first innings.
• India, at 1/0 in 1.2 overs, started cautiously in their chase.
• Current Run Rate (CRR) stands at 0.75.
• India requires 339 more runs to clinch victory on the final day.

This session promises high-intensity cricket as both teams aim to make their mark in the series decider.

AUS vs IND 4th Test, BGT 2024-25
Day 5 - Session 1 Updates

• Australia:
  • 1st Innings: 474 (122.4 overs)
  • 2nd Innings: 233/9 (83.2 overs)
  • Lead: 338 runs
  • CRR: 2.80

It is a crucial start to Day 5 as India looks to wrap up the Australian innings quickly while chasing a challenging target. Stay tuned for live updates!

Now It's Time for Indian Batters to Seize the Moment and Counter the Aussie Bowlers!

Match Summary: AUS vs IND - 4th Test, BGT 2024-25

Day 4, Session 3

Australia's Innings (2nd Innings):

• Total Score: 474 all out (122.4 overs)
• India's Target: Australia leads by 333 runs

Australia has posted a formidable total of 474 in their second innings, with significant contributions from Marnus Labuschagne (70), Pat Cummins (41), and Nathan Lyon (41). The batting collapsed in the latter stages, with India’s bowlers—Jasprit Bumrah (4 wickets for 56), Mohammed Siraj (3 wickets for 66), and Ravindra Jadeja (1 wicket for 33)—leading the charge in taking Australia’s final 5 wickets in quick succession. India’s bowlers, especially Bumrah, displayed impressive control and skill, while Siraj provided key breakthroughs throughout.

Fall of Wickets:

• Sam Konstas (20-1, 6.3 overs)
• Usman Khawaja (43-2, 18.5 overs)
• Steve Smith (80-3, 32.3 overs)
• Travis Head (85-4, 33.2 overs)
• Mitchell Marsh (85-5, 34.0 overs)
• Alex Carey (91-6, 36.0 overs)
• Marnus Labuschagne (148-7, 55.1 overs)
• Mitchell Starc (156-8, 58.1 overs)
• Pat Cummins (173-9, 64.1 overs)
• Nathan Lyon (174-10, 64.4 overs)

India’s Response: The Indian batting lineup will now need to come up with a remarkable effort to overcome the deficit of 333 runs, with the game hanging in the balance. The Australian bowlers, led by Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, will be eager to make early breakthroughs and set the tone for the final session. The pressure is on India to build a solid foundation, especially from their top order, with key batters like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill needing to lead the charge.

India’s bowlers have done their job by restricting Australia, but it’s now time for the Indian batters to seize the moment and take charge of the game. The stage is set for a thrilling battle in the final innings, as India looks to defend or chase down a challenging target.

Let’s see if India can answer the call and make a fight out of this exciting encounter!

Match Summary: AUS vs IND, 4th Test, BGT 2024-25, Day 4 – Session 3

Australia's 2nd Innings:

• Score: 191/9 (71.0 Overs)
• Lead: 296 Runs
• Top Scorer: Marnus Labuschagne (70 off 139)
• Notable Partnerships:
  • Labuschagne and Cummins added 57 crucial runs for the 7th wicket.
• Fall of Wickets: Regular breakthroughs kept the Aussies under pressure.

Indian Bowling Highlights:

• Jasprit Bumrah: 4/42 in 22 overs – spearheaded the attack, dismantling Australia's middle-order.
• Mohammed Siraj: 3/61 in 21 overs – consistent and effective in claiming key wickets.
• Ravindra Jadeja: 1/26 in 11 overs – provided vital control in the session.
• Run-Out Magic: A sharp effort from Pant and Reddy to dismiss Mitchell Starc.

Session Recap:
Australia's innings stumbled after a solid start, with Bumrah and Siraj delivering lethal spells. The tailenders Lyon and Boland are holding on as India eyes a wrap-up early on Day 5.

What’s Next:
India needs quick wickets to keep the target manageable, while Australia hopes to stretch their lead past 300 for a competitive total

Lyon and Boland Narrowly Escape as India’s Fielding Comes Close to a Breakthrough

Siraj returns to the attack, and Lyon calmly flicks the first delivery through mid-wicket for a single. Boland follows up by punching the fifth delivery through point, sprinting for a quick single. However, Nitish's direct hit at the striker's end almost brings an end to the innings, but the throw misses the stumps, allowing Boland to survive. Australia's resistance continues as their lower order battles hard against India's bowling attack.

India’s Review Denied as Australia’s Lower Order Holds Firm

Bumrah returns to the attack and bowls a steady over, with Australia picking up three singles as the fielders offer easy runs. An LBW appeal against Lyon follows, but the umpire signals "not out." India decides to use their review, but it’s quickly dismissed as the ball is shown to be missing the stumps. The decision remains unchanged, and Lyon stays at the crease. Australia's lower order continues to resist India's efforts to break through

Australia is 169/8
Bumrah remains in the attack as Cummins, having faced 81 balls for his 34, battles on. With a challenging target of 270 and the pitch beginning to show signs of uneven bounce, the situation seems tricky for India. But Cummins rises to the challenge, cutting past point for a boundary! His gritty innings is putting Australia in a commanding position.

Australia is 161/8
Siraj continues to pose problems for Cummins, keeping him on edge. Despite the pressure, the Australian skipper manages to open the face of his bat and steer it toward backward point, collecting three runs.

Australia is 157/8.
Bumrah charges in again. Starc nudges the ball behind square leg and looks for a quick double, but Cummins halts him midway. Pant capitalizes with a stunning direct hit at the non-striker’s end—run out! Starc has to depart, leaving Australia eight down.  

Nathan Lyon comes to the crease to join Cummins. Bumrah follows up with another sensational over, but Cummins manages to hold his ground.

AUS vs IND 4th Test, Day 4 - Session 3: Match Summary

The battle at the MCG continues to intensify as Australia heads into the latter stages of Day 4 with a lead of 240 runs in their second innings. The Indian bowlers, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, managed to keep the Aussies on the back foot, but the game remains delicately poised.

Australian Batting Performance:

• Marnus Labuschagne is holding the fort with a well-crafted 65 off 124 balls, showcasing resilience amidst a flurry of wickets.
• Contributions from Usman Khawaja (21 off 65) and Pat Cummins (21 off 45) have added stability to the innings.
• The rest of the batting lineup crumbled under pressure, with key wickets falling at regular intervals.

Indian Bowling Standouts:

• Jasprit Bumrah was the star performer, claiming 4 wickets for just 30 runs in 15 overs, consistently troubling the Australian batsmen with his accuracy and pace.
• Mohammed Siraj provided solid support, picking up 2 wickets for 40 runs in his 14 overs.
• The spinners, Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy, bowled short spells without breakthroughs.

Key Moments:

• Sam Konstas (8) and Usman Khawaja (21) fell early, giving India a strong start in the session.
• Bumrah’s twin strikes to dismiss Travis Head (1) and Mitchell Marsh (0) in quick succession left Australia reeling at 85-5.
• Pat Cummins and Labuschagne built a crucial partnership of 44 runs for the 7th wicket, helping Australia edge closer to a competitive lead.

Session Update:

Australia stands at 135-6 (50.5 overs) at Stumps on Day 4. The final day promises to be a thriller as India looks to restrict the Australian tail and chase down the target on a wearing MCG pitch.

What’s Next?
Can the Indian batters rise to the occasion and chase down a challenging total to level the series? Or will the Australian bowlers seal the Border-Gavaskar Trophy? Day 5 awaits!

Watch : Bumrah Action against Konstas

           Jasprit Bhumrah Shows Level to Sam konstas 🔥🤡#INDvsAUS #JaspritBumrah#SamKonstas #ViratKohli𓃵#AUSvINDIA #NitishReddypic.twitter.com/cNTk1kP7B7

— Ajay Kaswan (@AjayKaswan32)De

Jasprit Bhumrah Shows Level to Sam konstas 🔥🤡#INDvsAUS #JaspritBumrah#SamKonstas #ViratKohli𓃵#AUSvINDIA #NitishReddypic.twitter.com/cNTk1kP7B7

— Ajay Kaswan (@AjayKaswan32)

December 29, 2024

cember 29, 2024

Australia is 131/6 after 47 over 
Jadeja keeps it tight, conceding just a single to Marnus in the over.

Australia is 130/6 in 46 overs
Akash delivers to Marnus, and it's FOUR! A half-volley aimed at his midriff is pulled confidently through square leg. Close call on the next ball! Marnus defends, but it comes off the inside edge, thudding into his pads before bouncing toward the stumps—just missing them by inches. Cummins then drives elegantly, sending the ball racing between cover and point for another FOUR!

Australia is at 121/6 after 45 overs. Jadeja bowls to Marnus, who steps away to create room and elegantly drives it through the covers for a boundary. Cummins follows up by utilizing the angle to flick the ball neatly down to fine leg.

AUS vs IND 4th Test, BGT 2024-25: Day 3 Stumps Update

India fights on at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground! 🇮🇳
Score: 358/9 (116.0 Overs)
Trail by: 116 runs

🌟 Highlights of the Day:

• Nitish Kumar Reddy dazzled with a heroic 96 before falling just short of a well-deserved century. A gritty and memorable innings! 💪
• Washington Sundar displayed immense patience, bringing up a crucial half-century (50 off 157 balls), and anchoring the lower order.
• Scott Boland was the pick of the bowlers for Australia, ending the day with figures of 3/50 in 25 overs. 🎯

The Indian lower order showed resilience to keep the game alive as Australia edged closer to enforcing a massive lead.

🔥 What’s Next?
India needs to battle hard tomorrow morning to narrow the deficit and keep their hopes alive in this thrilling Test match.

💬 Who do you think will be the game-changer on Day 4?

AUS vs IND 4th Test, BGT 2024-25, Day 3 - Session 3 Update: Drinks Break

India’s resilience continues as the team fights hard to reduce the deficit on Day 3 at the MCG. At the drinks break in the final session, India stands at 347/7 in 111 overs, trailing Australia by 127 runs.

Key Highlights:

• Washington Sundar has shown remarkable patience and determination, reaching his half-century off 157 balls, anchoring the innings with vital contributions.
• Nitish Kumar Reddy is on the verge of a well-deserved maiden Test century, batting confidently on 96 off 161 balls, displaying exceptional composure under pressure.
• Australia’s Scott Boland continues to be the standout bowler, picking up 3 wickets for 50 runs in his 25 overs. His disciplined line and length have kept the batters in check.

Session Overview:

India has managed to score at a conservative rate, with the focus on avoiding further dismissals and narrowing the gap in the first innings. With just 31 runs needed to avoid the follow-on earlier in the session, Sundar and Reddy combined forces to take India past that mark. Their gritty partnership has added much-needed stability to the innings.

What Lies Ahead:

• India’s immediate goal will be to bring the deficit below 100 and extend the innings as long as possible.
• Australia, on the other hand, will aim to break this partnership and wrap up the Indian innings quickly to retain control of the game.
• With 25 overs left in the day, this session could determine the momentum heading into Day 4.

Stay tuned for further updates as the action unfolds at the iconic MCG!

AUS vs IND 4th Test, BGT 2024-25: Day 3, Session 1 - Lunch Break Update

Current Score:
India heads into the lunch break at 244/7 in 73 overs, trailing Australia by 230 runs. The visitors need 31 more runs to avoid the follow-on, with the lower order fighting hard against a relentless Australian bowling attack.

Session Highlights

• India’s Grit:

  • Rishabh Pant (45*) continues to lead the charge with his mix of aggression and caution, keeping India's hopes alive.
  • The tailenders have shown resilience, offering valuable support in this crucial phase.

• Australia’s Persistent Bowling:

  • Pat Cummins and Scott Boland maintained their dominance with disciplined bowling.
  • Nathan Lyon’s spin provided consistent challenges, keeping the batters in check.

Key Moments:

• Pant's classy strokeplay brought a few boundaries, lifting India’s scoring rate momentarily.
• The Australian fielders were sharp, saving crucial runs and maintaining the pressure.

What’s Next?

India’s immediate goal post-lunch will be to avoid the follow-on by scoring the remaining 31 runs. Australia, on the other hand, will look to strike early and take control of the match.

Stay tuned for more updates as the action intensifies in the second session of Day 3!

AUS vs IND 4th Test, BGT 2024-25: Day 3, Session 1 Updates

Match Situation:
India is at 229/7 in 68.4 overs, trailing Australia by 245 runs. The team needs 46 more runs to avoid the follow-on as the intense battle continues on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.

Session Highlights

• India’s Resilience:
  Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja started the day on a cautious note, building a steady partnership under immense pressure.

  • Pant showcased his aggressive flair, hitting boundaries when opportunities arose, while Jadeja played a solid supporting role.

• Australia’s Bowling Firepower:

  • Pat Cummins and Scott Boland continued to trouble the Indian batters with tight lines and lengths.
  • Nathan Lyon's spin added to the pressure, extracting turn and bounce from the surface.

Key Moments

• Pant’s counterattacking shots lifted India’s scoring rate briefly.
• Jadeja fell to Cummins, leaving the tailenders to fight for survival.
• Australia’s sharp fielding kept the Indian batters on their toes, ensuring no easy runs.

Looking Ahead

With just three wickets in hand, India must rely on their lower-order batters to grind out the remaining 46 runs needed to avoid the follow-on. Australia's bowlers, on the other hand, will look to wrap up the innings quickly and push for a commanding position in the match.

Stay tuned for more updates as the action unfolds at the MCG!

Australia vs India 4th Test: Day 2 Stumps Update - Australia Dominates After India's Late Collapse

Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
Match Situation: India trails by 310 runs with only five wickets in hand at 164/5, facing a daunting task to avoid a follow-on.

Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG swung dramatically in favor of Australia after an Indian batting collapse late in the day. Starting with hopes of steady progress, the visitors faltered under pressure after a mix-up between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli triggered a batting implosion.

Session Highlights

• Session 1: Australia added 143 runs in 27 overs for the loss of one wicket, with Steven Smith reaching his 34th Test century and Pat Cummins contributing a valuable 49.
• Session 2: India bowled better, restricting Australia to 71 runs in 24.4 overs while picking up five wickets. Jasprit Bumrah finished with a four-wicket haul as Australia posted a commanding 474 in their first innings.
• Session 3: India added 113 runs in 31 overs but lost three crucial wickets in the process.

Key Moments

1. Australia’s Batting Dominance:

   • Steven Smith continued his love affair with the MCG, scoring an outstanding 140.
   • Cummins and Smith’s 112-run partnership set the tone for Australia’s dominance.
   • India managed to restrict the tail with key contributions from Jadeja and Bumrah.

2. India’s Batting Collapse:

   • Rohit Sharma, opening the innings, fell early to Pat Cummins for a duck.
   • Yashasvi Jaiswal (82) and Virat Kohli (36) built a promising 100-run partnership, keeping hopes alive for India.
   • A miscommunication led to Jaiswal's run-out, sparking a collapse that saw Kohli and nightwatchman Akash Deep dismissed in quick succession.

3. Australia’s Bowling Excellence:

   • Pat Cummins delivered a fiery spell, dismissing KL Rahul with an unplayable delivery.
   • Scott Boland took two wickets late in the day, further tilting the match in Australia’s favor.

Looking Ahead

India needs 111 runs to avoid the follow-on, with Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja tasked with leading the fightback on Day 3. Australia holds a firm grip on the game, leveraging their bowlers' momentum and a significant first-innings lead.

Stay tuned as Day 3 promises to be a gripping contest with India battling to stay in the match.

AUS VS IND, BOXING DAY TEST VIRAL MEMES 

Rohit Sharma dug out me jakar sbko btyga, is pitch par khelna kese hai 😂 #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/QMNh3xk6OX

— Paapi Gudiya😎 (@epic_meme00) December 27, 2024

AUS VS IND, BOXING DAY TEST FAN MOMENT

2023 WC final 🤝 2024 MCG Test.

- I think the same person has met Kohli twice inside 1 year. pic.twitter.com/ixhVXm5f3u

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 27, 2024

Australia vs India: Day 2 - Session 2 

India has made a steady start on Day 2 of the 4th Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul at the crease. After Australia finished their innings at 311/6 on Day 1, India began their chase with a solid partnership.

• Yashasvi Jaiswal (17 off 23 balls) has shown confidence with a boundary off Pat Cummins in the 7th over, driving it beautifully through mid-on. He has looked assured at the crease, despite a few testing deliveries.

• KL Rahul (13 off 19 balls) has been cautious, with some solid defensive shots, leaving balls outside off stump and trying to build an innings. He has yet to find his rhythm fully but has been steady in his approach.

Key Moments:

• Cummins started well with the ball, conceding only a few runs. His 7th over saw a confident boundary from Jaiswal, followed by some tight bowling.
• Mitchell Starc has been consistent, generating good pace (143.8 kmph), and forcing Rahul to leave the ball well outside off stump.

Current Standings:

• India: 25/1 after 7 overs.
  • Yashasvi Jaiswal: 17 (23)
  • KL Rahul: 13 (19)
• Probability at Session 2 (Remaining 43.1 overs):
  • India: 13%
  • Draw: 31%
  • Australia: 56%

India faces a challenging task, with the probability of a strong Australian response ahead, but early signs suggest India is looking to settle into the match.

Match Update AUS vs IND:

India is cautiously moving forward, but Australia’s bowlers, led by Cummins, are putting up a good fight. The score is 14/1 after 3 overs.

Day 1 Stumps Summary: Australia vs India, 4th Test, Melbourne

Australia finished Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test in a strong position, reaching 311/6 after 86 overs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Winning the toss and opting to bat, the hosts capitalized on a solid opening partnership of 50+ for the first time this series, courtesy of debutant Sam Konstas' fearless approach. Konstas attacked India's spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, laying a confident foundation.

Key contributions came from the experienced middle order, with Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steven Smith registering important half-centuries. Smith remains unbeaten on 68 (111), anchoring the innings alongside skipper Pat Cummins on 8 (17) at stumps.

India struck back in patches, with Akash Deep (2/59) and Bumrah (2/75) being the pick of the bowlers. However, the bowling unit struggled to string together consistent pressure, and Australia's batters took advantage.

Key Moments:

• Sam Konstas’ confident debut, taking on Bumrah.
• Middle-order stability provided by Khawaja, Labuschagne, and Smith.
• Alex Carey's dismissal late in the day (31 off 41), caught by Pant off Akash Deep.

Current Standings:

• Steven Smith (68) and Pat Cummins (8)** will resume Day 2.
• Australia will aim to push beyond 400, while India needs early breakthroughs to stay in the contest.

Key Stats:

• Partnership: 12 (24) - Smith & Cummins
• Last 10 overs: 30 runs, 1 wicket
• Bowling Highlights:
  • Jasprit Bumrah: 21-7-75-2
  • Akash Deep: 19-5-59-2

Australia takes the honors on Day 1. Can India turn the tide on Day 2? Stay tuned!

Australia is 176/2 at Tea.  
Washington Sundar takes the ball for the first time today and beats Labuschagne with a loopy delivery. Labuschagne responds brilliantly, coming down the track and driving the ball past mid-off for four runs. And that's Tea.

Australia is 168/2 after 51 overs.
Bumrah maintains a consistent length, with Labuschagne defending the ball back to him. Labuschagne then pulls for a single, and Smith also adds a single to the total

Australia is 165/2 after 50 overs.
Jadeja bowls, and Smith effortlessly pulls the ball past mid-on for a boundary. Just that four runs come from the over, as Jadeja continues to bowl at a quick pace

Australia is 161/2 after 49 overs.
Bumrah squares up Labuschagne with a delivery on the third ball. Rohit looks ready to appeal, but Bumrah shakes his head. Bumrah then bowls a yorker, and Labuschagne manages a thick outside edge, sending the ball over gully for a double.

Australia is 157/2 after 48 overs.
Jadeja bowls, and Smith gets off the mark with a well-timed drive toward cover for two runs. The over ends with just two runs added to the total.

Australia is 154/2 after 45 overs.
Bumrah is back into the attack and strikes! OUT! Khawaja is dismissed for 57, playing a soft shot to a half-tracker and hitting it straight to short midwicket. Bumrah shares a laugh as Khawaja walks back to the pavilion, giving India a crucial breakthrough.

Steve Smith walks in, with his trademark exaggerated movement across the stumps. Bumrah tests him with a delivery that induces an edge, but the ball falls short of the slips.

Australia is 154/1 after 43 overs.
Siraj continues his bail-changing antics against Labuschagne but stays silent this time. Labuschagne responds in style, smashing a beautiful straight drive for four. He follows it up with another classy shot—a flick of the wrists guiding the ball toward midwicket for three runs.

Australia is 146/1 after 42 overs.

Jadeja bowls a tidy over, conceding just three runs—Khawaja picks up a single, while Labuschagne adds two with a well-placed double.

41st Over:

Siraj to Khawaja: Around the wicket, on the pads, clipped toward square leg for a single. Switching to over the wicket for Labuschagne, wide of the crease, targeting the stumps—solidly defended. A single comes off the fifth delivery. Khawaja retains the strike with another single off the final ball of the over