The fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground has seen India mount a fierce challenge against Australia, ignited by notable performances from their bowlers, particularly Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, as well as Nitish Kumar Reddy's historic maiden Test century.
On December 29, 2024, India found themselves needing to overcome a 105-run first-innings deficit after being bowled out for 369. Nitish Kumar Reddy emerged as the hero for India, scoring 114 runs off 189 balls, marking his first Test century and showcasing resilience from the number eight position. His innings was pivotal, as India had been reeling at 221 for 7 when he came to the crease, partnering with Washington Sundar to extend the innings and help India recover.
Despite Reddy’s heroics, Australia's bowlers played their part, with Nathan Lyon claiming three wickets, alongside Pat Cummins and Scott Boland, who also secured three each. This bowling effort helped Australia establish a 105-run lead following their first innings total of 474.
Entering the second innings, Australia struggled against the Indian bowling attack, which consisted of Bumrah, Siraj, and Akash Deep, who maintained tight lines and bowled with precision. On Day 4, Bumrah led the charge, taking the key wickets of Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Alex Carey within just four deliveries. His spell was instrumental, reducing the Australian batting lineup to 91 for 6, having clinched 4 wickets for just 30 runs.
Among the notable moments, Cummins and Starc experienced a costly miscommunication, resulting in Starc’s run-out after Rishabh Pant executed a brilliant throw, leaving Australia reeling at 156 for 8. Earlier, Siraj had claimed the wicket of Marnus Labuschagne, who scored 70, marking his third wicket of the innings. Labuschagne’s dismissal was celebrated fervently by the Indian team, as it ended a frustrating 57-run partnership with captain Cummins.
Apart from the thrilling action, the match also featured several dropped catches by India's fielders, particularly from Yashasvi Jaiswal, which raised frustrations among players and management alike. Jaiswal dropped three chances throughout the match, including significant ones off Labuschagne, contributing to mounting pressure on the Indian bowlers.
With Australia's lead expanded to 263 runs and evening approaching, the match entered a decisive phase. Indian captain Rohit Sharma was under scrutiny, facing the pressure of his position as he struggled with the bat throughout the series. Former players, including Mark Waugh, voiced strong opinions about his future, stressing the necessity of runs from Sharma to justify his position and leadership as captain.
“If I was a selector now, it depends what happens in the second innings, but if he doesn’t make runs … I’d be saying, ‘Rohit, thank you for your service. You’ve been a great player, but we’re going to bring in Jasprit Bumrah as captain for the SCG,’” said Waugh when discussing the implications of Sharma’s performance.
Waugh's remarks reflect the heightened scrutiny facing Sharma, as former teammates and mentors like Ravi Shastri have advised on the importance of adapting and potentially altering batting orders for the team’s balance going forward.
Despite the tension, the current test has showcased India's fighting spirit, with Bumrah and Siraj leading the bowling attack aggressively. Bumrah's triumph at achieving 200 Test wickets during this match signals his key role and influence within the team, becoming the second-fastest Indian to achieve this milestone.
With the final session of Day 4 about to commence, all eyes remain on Bumrah and Siraj, as India seeks to capture the final wickets of the Australian innings, setting themselves up for what would be a thrilling chase for victory.
