IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 5 Live Updates: India vs Australia at MCG – A Thrilling Finale on the Horizon
The gripping contest between India and Australia in the fourth Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is reaching its dramatic climax on Day 5. With India chasing a stiff target of 340 runs and the score at 112/3 at Tea, the match hangs in the balance. A battle of resilience and nerves is underway as both teams fight for supremacy and crucial World Test Championship (WTC) points.
India’s Chase: Early Wobbles and a Steady Rebuild
India’s run chase began under immense pressure after Australia’s bowlers, led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, struck early blows. The visitors were reeling at 33/3 in the morning session as Rohit Sharma (10), KL Rahul (7), and Virat Kohli (12) fell cheaply. Rohit edged Cummins to the slips, while KL Rahul was trapped LBW in a fiery spell by the Australian skipper. Kohli’s dismissal, courtesy of Starc just before lunch, added to India’s woes.
However, the post-lunch session brought hope for the hosts. Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal showed remarkable composure and determination, bringing up a well-constructed half-century. Partnering with Rishabh Pant, Jaiswal steadied the innings, frustrating the Australian bowlers. Pant, known for his aggressive intent, played a measured knock to reach 28* at Tea, ensuring no further damage to the Indian lineup.
At the Tea break, India stands at 112/3, with 228 runs needed in the final session for a historic victory.
Australia’s Spirited Effort with the Ball
The Australian bowlers, despite the MCG pitch offering little assistance, were relentless in their pursuit of breakthroughs. Cummins showcased his class with two crucial wickets, while Starc’s fiery delivery removed Kohli to swing the momentum back in Australia’s favor in the morning. Nathan Lyon’s spin also tested the Indian batters, though he remains wicketless so far.
Earlier in the day, Australia’s tail-end resistance helped them post a second-innings total of 234 runs. Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland’s gritty 61-run partnership for the last wicket frustrated the Indian bowlers, adding valuable runs to the target. Jasprit Bumrah, however, stole the show with a sensational five-wicket haul, his second at the MCG, dismantling Australia’s middle and lower order.
A Game of Momentum Swings
The Test match has been a rollercoaster of emotions for both sides. Australia appeared dominant for much of the game, with Nitish Kumar Reddy’s brilliant century in India’s first innings standing out as a rare positive for the hosts.
On Day 3, Jasprit Bumrah’s spell-binding bowling turned the tide, as he exploited reverse swing to perfection. His efforts reduced Australia to 91/6 in their second innings, leaving India with an opportunity to seize control. However, Marnus Labuschagne and Pat Cummins added vital runs under pressure, keeping Australia in the hunt.
The Final Session: All Four Results on the Table
As the final session approaches, all four results remain possible. An Indian victory will depend heavily on the partnership between Jaiswal and Pant, along with the contributions of the middle and lower order. The absence of a big score from experienced batters like Rohit and Kohli has placed the responsibility squarely on the younger shoulders in the lineup.
For Australia, early wickets in the evening session will be crucial. With Cummins and Starc leading the attack, and Lyon probing for turn, the visitors have the firepower to run through India’s lineup.
The pitch, though still favoring the batters, has shown signs of uneven bounce, particularly from the Pavilion End, which the Australian bowlers will aim to exploit.
What’s at Stake?
This match is more than just a Test victory; it carries significant implications for the WTC standings. Both teams are vying for valuable points to solidify their positions in the race for the final.
For India, a win would not only boost their WTC chances but also cap off a year of resilience and rebuilding under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy. For Australia, a victory would reaffirm their status as one of the most consistent teams in world cricket.
Key Moments So Far:
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Century: A standout knock in India’s first innings kept them in contention.
Bumrah’s Magic: A five-wicket haul in the second innings brought India roaring back.
Australian Tail’s Grit: Lyon and Boland’s partnership added crucial runs to Australia’s total.
Jaiswal-Pant Stand: A crucial partnership rebuilding India’s chase after early setbacks.
Players to Watch in the Final Session:
Yashasvi Jaiswal: The opener has shown maturity beyond his years and will be key to India’s hopes.
Rishabh Pant: Known for his fearless batting, Pant could take the game away from Australia in no time.
Pat Cummins: The Australian skipper’s incisive bowling spells could decide the match’s fate.
Nathan Lyon: With the pitch showing some turn, Lyon could pose a serious threat to India’s middle order.
A Memorable Finish Awaits
The stage is set for a dramatic finish at the MCG. With the match teetering on a knife’s edge, cricket fans around the world will be glued to their screens, eager to see which team emerges victorious.
Will India script a historic chase or will Australia’s bowlers rise to the occasion? The next few hours promise high drama and unforgettable cricketing action. Stay tuned as the battle for supremacy unfolds at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.