Australia Wins the 4th Test, Takes 2-1 Series Lead Against India.
Australia defeated India in the 4th Test, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. The match played in Melbourne from December 26th to 30th, saw Australia win the toss and opt to bat first, setting the tone for a dominant performance.
Australia’s First Innings
Opening the innings, Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja gave Australia a solid start, with both players making valuable contributions. Khawaja scored a half-century, while Sam Konstas also played an important knock before being dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja. Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith continued to pile on the runs, with Marnus making 50 runs and Smith completing a brilliant century. Australia finished with a strong total of 474 runs. Jasprit Bumrah and Jadeja took four and three wickets, respectively, for India.
India’s First Innings
India’s response saw Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma open the batting, but early wickets fell. Rohit was dismissed quickly, while Jaiswal played a gritty knock, reaching a half-century before being run out. Nitish Kumar Reddy provided the highlight for India, scoring a maiden Test century, with Washington Sundar supporting him well. Despite their efforts, India was all out for 369 runs. Pat Cummins, Scott Boland, and Nathan Lyon took three wickets each for Australia.
Australia’s Second Innings
Australia’s second innings began with Sam and Usman losing their wickets early. Marnus Labuschagne scored 70 runs, but the wickets continued to fall. Australia’s total reached 234 runs, with Bumrah taking five wickets and Mohammad Siraj claiming three.
India’s Second Innings
In the chase, India failed to get a strong start, with Jaiswal top-scoring with 84 runs. However, India’s batting line-up collapsed, and they were all out for 155 runs. Australia won by 184 runs, taking a 2-1 lead in the series.
Nitish Kumar Reddy in the post-match conference: “I’m proud of reaching my maiden Test century, but it’s disappointing that it wasn’t enough to secure the win. It was a personal achievement, but in the end, the team’s performance is what matters the most. We’ll analyze our mistakes and aim to do better in the next match.”
Magnificent 5️⃣-wicket haul 🤝 Special Maiden 💯
Vice Captain Jasprit Bumrah and Nitish Kumar Reddy’s names are etched on the Honours Board of Melbourne Cricket Ground ✍️ 👏#TeamIndia | #AUSvIND | @Jaspritbumrah93 | @NKReddy07 pic.twitter.com/4tat5F0N6e
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 31, 2024