India’s batting implosion in the final session of the fourth Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) led to a 184-run defeat, with the visitors losing seven wickets for just 34 runs. This result gives Australia a 2-1 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.
Chasing a target of 340, India began the final day at 71/3, with Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal at the crease. The pair added 88 runs, bringing the score to 159/3. However, Pant’s dismissal for 18 off 69 balls, followed by the quick departures of Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Reddy, shifted the momentum. Jaiswal, who had scored 82 in the first innings, was controversially dismissed for 84, leaving India at 130/6. The tail failed to provide resistance, and India were bowled out for 155.
Australia’s Pat Cummins and Scott Boland claimed three wickets each, while Nathan Lyon took two crucial wickets. The match was marked by controversial DRS decisions, including Jaiswal’s dismissal.
This defeat significantly hampers India’s chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship final. To secure a spot, India needed to win this Test and the upcoming match in Sydney.
