India fights back, keeps Australia’s lead at 333 in Boxing Day test

India’s strong fightback on day four at MCG keeps Australia’s lead at 333.

| Updated: 29 December, 2024 6:02 pm IST

Indian Cricket Team celebrating after taking wickets in the third innings of the boxing day test. (Photo Illustration: Swastik Sharma)

NEW DELHI: India’s resilient fightback on the fourth day of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has left Australia with much to ponder. Despite Nathan Lyon’s best efforts, claiming 4 wickets for 55 runs, India’s bowlers, led by the ever-impressive Jasprit Bumrah, ensured that Australia’s lead remained manageable at 333 runs, keeping all three outcomes in play for the final day.

Lyon’s spell could not fully halt India’s momentum as they continued to push hard for breakthroughs. Bumrah, with his consistent pressure, removed key Australian batsmen and gave India a glimmer of hope. The visitors will take confidence from their bowling attack’s ability to keep Australia’s total within reach, despite the lower-order resistance from Nathan Lyon (41*) and Scott Boland (10*), who frustratingly added 55 runs for the 10th wicket.

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India’s fielding had been solid, and while a few chances went begging, it was the tireless effort from the bowlers that kept India in the game. The turning point in the day came when India’s fast bowlers found their rhythm in the second session, limiting Australia’s progress and ensuring they couldn’t fully capitalize on their earlier advantages.

India’s batting also provided optimism, with Nitish Kumar Reddy shining brightly on debut. His maiden Test century (114*) was the cornerstone of India’s solid reply, backed by a valuable 127-run partnership with Washington Sundar. This gritty performance laid the foundation for a potential chase on the final day, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the Test.

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With the pitch remaining consistent, India will feel confident about chasing down the target in the final innings. Rohit Sharma’s leadership, though facing criticism, remains key, and his ability to marshal his troops in these final moments will be crucial. India has proven before that they are capable of chasing tough targets, and with key players in form, the result is still very much within their grasp.

As both teams gear up for the decisive final day, India’s resolve to push for victory remains unwavering, and the series is far from over. With the series tied at 1-1, this match could define India’s dominance in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.