MELBOURNE, Dec 29:
Jasprit Bumrah astonished the home team with a remarkable bowling performance, yet the resilient Australian tailenders guided their team to a substantial 333-run lead on Sunday, setting the stage for an exciting finish on the final day of the Boxing Day Test.
After the fourth day, Australia stood at 228 for nine, frustrating Indian captain Rohit Sharma, especially as the home side found themselves struggling at 156 for 8 at one point.
The 8th, 10th, and 11th Australian batsmen managed to survive nearly 35 overs, a situation that may prove crucial if India does not perform exceptionally well while batting on a pitch that has remained consistent throughout the match.
Bumrah (4/53 in 17 overs) showcased his skills in the first two sessions, with Mohammed Siraj (3/66 in 22 overs) complementing his efforts, leading to a significant shift in momentum toward India.
Bumrah was nearly unplayable during most of the second innings and achieved his 200th Test wicket on this day at an outstanding average of 19.56.
Unfortunately, he could not secure a five-wicket haul, as he overstepped while getting Nathan Lyon caught by KL Rahul in the slips. To add insult to injury, Lyon hit a boundary off the last delivery.
With precise length, uncomfortable bounce, and late movement, Bumrah had the Australian batting lineup in disarray; however, India let go of their advantageous position during the final session.
Pat Cummins (41 off 90 balls), Lyon (41 not out, 54 balls), and Scott Boland (10 not out, 65 balls) contributed significantly to the second innings total, leaving the Indian top order with a formidable task ahead on the final day.
A win is attainable, but India will need extraordinary performances from Rishabh Pant, and at least a couple of seasoned batsmen must shake off their rust. (PTI)
There are no troublesome conditions on the pitch; however, Indian batsmen need to clear their minds. (PTI)
Marnus Labuschagne demonstrated his determination with a gritty 70, but Yashasvi Jaiswal’s three dropped catches could haunt India, despite Bumrah’s exceptional contributions.
Labuschagne fought valiantly but could have been dismissed at 47 if Jaiswal had held onto a straightforward catch at third slip off Akash Deep.
For the first time since the Perth Test, Bumrah received significant support from the other end, as Australia lost three wickets within a span of 10 deliveries.
The pacer’s performance helped India regain a measure of control, even after conceding a 105-run lead in the first innings, following Nitish Reddy’s impressive 114.
Steve Smith (13) edged a shot while attempting to drive Siraj, and Bumrah accounted for Travis Head (1), who flicked a catch to the on-form Nitish Reddy at square leg.
Bumrah had previously ended Shaun Marsh’s Test career in the 2018-19 series, and this time, his younger brother Mitchell Marsh (0) was unable to counter the probing deliveries from the star Indian pacer.
A short ball that bounced between the chest and chin, with a hint of movement away, managed to dismiss the Australian power hitter.
Going around the wicket, Bumrah excelled at using the crease’s width to find the right angle to penetrate Alex Carey’s defenses.
This innings commenced spectacularly when Bumrah’s flawless nip-backer sent debutant Sam Konstas (8) back to the pavilion, followed by Siraj’s stunning delivery that dismissed Usman Khawaja.
The Indian bowlers entered the second innings with renewed vigor, and the choice to give Akash the new ball proved wise.
He maintained control, while Bumrah consistently troubled both openers without offering too many loose deliveries.
Konstas lived up to the expectations during the first innings initially but was eventually dismissed by a Bumrah delivery that pitched just behind length and jagged back to deceive him.
Displaying minimal emotions after taking wickets, Bumrah encouraged the crowd to support the team, all while Konstas left the field to boos from a significant Indian contingent chanting Virat Kohli’s name.
Labuschagne and Khawaja (21 off 65 balls) both seemed uncomfortable despite having scored half-centuries in the previous innings. Siraj’s ability to set Khawaja up beautifully exemplified the intricacies of Test cricket.
The pacer bowled four deliveries angling out at speeds between 139 to 142 km/h, all pitched on a length between six to eight meters.
Siraj, having effectively set up the left-hander with a series of deliveries moving away, then pitched one on the same length but straightened it enough to penetrate Khawaja’s defense.
Siraj’s joy was evident, having faced jeers since his Adelaide confrontation, while he provided Head with a memorable send-off. The Indian crowd celebrated him enthusiastically with chants of “DSP, DSP”.
His decision to silence the biased Australian fans was executed with great flair, culminating in a remarkable delivery.
