Cricket Highlights, Dec 26-30: India tour of Australia (4th Test) – Australia vs India

AUS vs IND (4th Test) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the thrilling 4th Test match between AUS and IND, held at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30, 2024. This highly anticipated fixture was a pivotal encounter in the India tour of Australia, showcasing intense competition, remarkable individual performances, and nail-biting moments that left cricket fans on the edge of their seats. Australia emerged victorious by 184 runs, sealing the match with a commanding performance and reaffirming their dominance on home soil. 

In the first innings, AUS showcased an impressive batting display, amassing a formidable total of 474 runs. The innings was anchored by a masterful knock from Steven Smith, who played with exceptional composure and precision to score 140 runs off 197 deliveries. Smith’s innings included a mixture of elegant boundaries and calculated singles, demonstrating his ability to adapt to the conditions. 

Marnus Labuschagne provided excellent support, scoring a valuable 72 runs and building a crucial partnership with Smith that laid a solid foundation for Australia’s innings. Sam Konstas also contributed with a well-crafted 60, showing maturity beyond his years. Contributions from Pat Cummins and Alex Carey lower down the order ensured Australia crossed the 450-run mark, frustrating the Indian bowlers.

IND bowling effort was led by their premier pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, who delivered a stellar performance, claiming 4 wickets for 99 runs. Bumrah consistently troubled the Australian batsmen with his pinpoint accuracy and clever variations. 

Ravindra Jadeja, the left-arm spinner, was also effective, taking 3 wickets and providing control during the middle overs. Despite their efforts, India struggled to contain Australia’s strong batting lineup, allowing the visitors to post an imposing total.

India’s response with the bat was highlighted by a fighting century from young Nitish Kumar Reddy, who scored a gritty 114 off 189 balls. Reddy’s innings was a mix of solid defense and aggressive stroke play, helping India recover from an early wobble. 

Yashasvi Jaiswal also played a crucial role at the top of the order, scoring a fluent 82 and forming a significant partnership with Reddy. Washington Sundar added stability with a well-crafted half-century, but India’s batting depth was tested as the Australian bowlers struck at regular intervals. 

The disciplined bowling efforts of Pat Cummins, Scott Boland, and Nathan Lyon kept the Indian innings in check, restricting them to 369 runs and giving Australia a handy first-innings lead. In their second innings, Australia faced an early collapse, losing wickets in quick succession. However, Marnus Labuschagne once again stood tall, scoring a patient 70 runs and holding the innings together. 

The lower order, led by contributions from Nathan Lyon (41) and Pat Cummins (41), played vital cameos to stretch Australia’s lead and set a challenging target of 340 runs for India. Jasprit Bumrah was relentless with the ball, claiming 5 wickets and proving to be a constant threat. Mohammed Siraj supported him ably, picking up 3 crucial wickets to wrap up the Australian innings at 234.

Chasing a daunting target, India faltered under pressure as the Australian bowlers executed their plans to perfection. The Indian top order struggled to get going, and wickets fell at regular intervals. Yashasvi Jaiswal showed immense determination, scoring a gritty 84 off 208 balls, but lacked significant support from the middle and lower order. 

The Australian bowlers, led by Pat Cummins and Scott Boland, bowled with precision and intensity, dismantling the Indian batting lineup. Nathan Lyon’s spin also proved to be crucial in the latter stages, as India were bundled out for 155 runs in 79.1 overs.

Australia’s comprehensive victory highlighted their all-round strength, with both their batting depth and bowling discipline standing out. The match emphasized the importance of partnerships and relentless bowling, which ultimately tilted the game in Australia’s favor.

Australia vs India Scoreboard

Australia – 474 & 234

India – 369 & 155

Result – Australia won by 184 runs

Player of the Match – Pat Cummins

AUS vs IND Playing XI

Australia

Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey(WK), Pat Cummins(C), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

India

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma(C), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Akash Deep, Rishabh Pant(WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.

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