New Delhi. The fourth day of the Boxing Day Test was a mixed bag for India. In reply to Australia’s 474 runs in the first innings, India scored 369 runs and the host team took a lead of 105 runs. In the second innings, due to the brilliant bowling of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, India had at one time reduced Australia to 6 wickets for 99 runs. The team had a chance to bowl out Australia cheaply but Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland spoiled the effort by making an unbroken partnership of 55 runs for the last wicket. Now on the last day, India would like to end Australia’s innings quickly.
Yashasvi Jaiswal missed the opportunity to dismiss Australia cheaply by dropping two consecutive catches. Due to the brilliant bowling of Bumrah and Siraj, it seemed that India would restrict Australia to a small score. The last 4 wickets became a headache for India and they have added 129 runs so far. If we look at these 4 wicket batsmen, we gave them a chance by leaving the catch of Labuschagne. Captain Pat Cummins also batted brilliantly and scored valuable 41 runs. Pat Cummins played a brilliant inning of 57 runs with Labuschagne.
The last wicket became a headache
When Australia’s 9th wicket fell in the form of Pat Cummins, everyone felt that the team would be out early and India would get an easy target. Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland batted brilliantly and made a partnership of 55 runs. Both are still standing at the wicket. Lion is not out after scoring 41 runs after playing 54 balls and Boland is not out after scoring 10 runs after playing 65 balls. Due to their partnership, Australia’s lead has increased to 333 runs. This partnership has taken India away from victory.
FIRST PUBLISHED : December 29, 2024, 2:05 PM IST