AUS vs IND 4th Test Highlights | Australia Clinches 4th Test with a Stunning 184-Run Victory Against India

Australia Triumphs with a Dominant Bowling Display

Australia secured a commanding 184-run victory over India in the 4th Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) to take a crucial 2-1 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Pat Cummins, leading from the front, orchestrated a spectacular collapse in India’s second innings, leaving the visitors bowled out for 155 and delivering a performance that highlighted Australia’s resilience and tactical brilliance.

First Innings: Australia’s Steady Foundation

Winning the toss, Australia opted to bat and posted an imposing 474 in their first innings. Steven Smith once again proved his mettle with a masterful 140, supported by crucial contributions from Marnus Labuschagne (72) and debutant Sam Konstas (60). Pat Cummins added a brisk 49 lower down the order to push Australia past the 450-mark.

India’s bowlers toiled hard, with Jasprit Bumrah leading the pack with figures of 4/99. Ravindra Jadeja also impressed, picking up 3/78, but the visitors were let down by some inconsistent spells from Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep.

India’s Reply: Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Heroics

India responded with a gritty performance, reaching 369, thanks to a maiden Test century by Nitish Kumar Reddy. The 21-year-old showcased remarkable maturity and composure, scoring a fluent 114 off 189 balls. His innings was complemented by Yashasvi Jaiswal’s stylish 82 and Washington Sundar’s patient 50, which helped India avoid the follow-on and narrow the deficit.

The Australian bowlers, led by Scott Boland (3/57), Pat Cummins (3/89), and Nathan Lyon (3/96), kept the pressure on India throughout the innings, ensuring the visitors couldn’t fully capitalize on Reddy’s heroics.

Australia’s Second Innings: A Bumrah Special

Australia’s second innings saw a collapse orchestrated by Jasprit Bumrah, who claimed a sensational 5/56. Marnus Labuschagne top-scored with a gritty 70, but the rest of the lineup faltered against India’s disciplined bowling.

Bumrah was well-supported by Mohammed Siraj, who chipped in with 3/70, and Ravindra Jadeja, who picked up a crucial wicket. Despite a few handy contributions from the lower order, Australia managed only 234, setting India a daunting target of 340.

Final Innings: India Crumbles Under Pressure

Chasing 340 on a deteriorating pitch, India faltered early. Captain Rohit Sharma fell for 9, flicking a full delivery from Cummins to gully. KL Rahul followed in the same over, nicking one to Khawaja off an unplayable delivery. Virat Kohli’s poor form continued as he edged a wide ball to Khawaja, leaving India reeling at 33/3 at lunch.

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant offered resistance in the middle session, with Jaiswal grinding his way to a well-fought 84. However, the post-tea session brought a dramatic collapse. Pant’s rash shot off a part-time Travis Head delivery, caught at long-on by Mitchell Marsh, triggered the downfall.

Australia’s bowlers, particularly Scott Boland (3/39) and Pat Cummins (3/28), capitalized on the momentum, dismantling the Indian lineup. Nathan Lyon chipped in with two wickets, including the prized scalp of Reddy for just one.

Jaiswal’s dismissal, caught behind off Cummins after a contentious review, sealed India’s fate. The visitors lost their last seven wickets for just 34 runs, a collapse reminiscent of their earlier struggles in the series.

Highlights and Key Moments

• Steven Smith’s Masterclass: Smith’s 140 in the first innings laid the foundation for Australia’s dominance. His control and precision against both pace and spin were exemplary.
• Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Century: Reddy’s 114 was a breakthrough moment, showcasing his ability to anchor the innings under pressure.
• Bumrah’s Brilliance: Bumrah’s second-innings five-wicket haul was a testament to his skill and persistence, keeping India in the contest.
• Australia’s Tactical Mastery: Pat Cummins’ captaincy was instrumental, from his incisive bowling to smart field placements, particularly in India’s second innings.

Player of the Match

Steven Smith was adjudged Player of the Match for his pivotal century, which set the tone for Australia’s commanding performance.

Series Outlook

With this win, Australia takes a crucial 2-1 lead in the series, leaving India with the challenge of leveling it in the fifth and final Test. The hosts’ performance under pressure, coupled with key contributions from their experienced players, has put them in the driver’s seat.

For India, the focus will be on addressing their batting collapses and building on the positives from players like Jaiswal and Reddy. The series now heads to Sydney for the decider, promising another thrilling chapter in the Border-Gavaskar rivalry.

Brief Scores:

• Australia 1st Innings: 474 (Smith 140, Labuschagne 72; Bumrah 4/99)
• India 1st Innings: 369 (Reddy 114, Jaiswal 82; Boland 3/57)
• Australia 2nd Innings: 234 (Labuschagne 70; Bumrah 5/56)
• India 2nd Innings: 155 (Jaiswal 84; Cummins 3/28, Boland 3/39)

Result: Australia won by 184 runs.