In a dramatic final day at the MCG, Australia’s last-wicket pair of Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland defied the Indian attack to stretch Australia’s lead to a daunting 333 runs. After Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery spell ripped through the middle order, the unlikely duo put on a stubborn 55-run stand to leave India facing a herculean task to save the match.
Starting the day just 185 runs ahead with 8 wickets in hand, Australia looked comfortably placed. But Bumrah had other ideas. In a ferocious new-ball spell, he dismissed Labuschagne and Cummins in quick succession to drag India back into contention.
Bumrah Brilliance Gives India Hope
Bumrah’s mesmerizing display of seam and swing had the Aussie batsmen in all sorts of trouble. He bowled with relentless accuracy, making the ball talk off the pitch. His figures of 3/53 could easily have been even better on another day.
Bumrah was simply magnificent today. Every ball looked like taking a wicket. He gave India a real chance.
– Sunil Gavaskar
Lyon-Boland Rescue Act
But just when it seemed like an Indian fightback was on the cards, Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland dug in their heels. The pacers mixed caution with the occasional boundary to slowly take the game away from India’s grasp. Their unbroken 55-run partnership for the last wicket could prove match-winning in the final analysis.
- Lyon remained unbeaten on 34, his highest score in Tests
- Boland supported ably with 21 off 50 balls
| Batsman | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Nathan Lyon | 34* | 110 |
| Scott Boland | 21* | 50 |
333 To Get on Day 5
India have been set a daunting target of 334 runs to win on the final day. While not impossible, it would take a Herculean effort from the Indian batsmen on a wearing MCG pitch. Realistically, securing a draw to keep the series level at 1-1 heading to Sydney would be a good result for the visitors from here.
It promises to be a gripping day of Test cricket. Can India’s batsmen stand tall and deliver or will Australia’s bowlers prove too strong on a fifth day pitch? We’ll find out soon as this pulsating Boxing Day Test reaches a climax. One thing is for sure – there will be no shortage of drama, tension and high-quality cricket as this enthralling series continues.
