Australia defeated India by 184 runs in a dramatic conclusion to the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, taking a 2-1 lead in the series.
Set a target of 340, India appeared poised for a draw thanks to a gritty 88-run partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal (84 off 208 balls) and Rishabh Pant (30 off 104). However, Pant’s dismissal to part-time spinner Travis Head after tea triggered a stunning collapse, with India losing their final seven wickets for just 34 runs in the evening session.
Pat Cummins and Scott Boland led Australia’s bowling attack, claiming three wickets each, while Nathan Lyon contributed two crucial dismissals. The match was watched by a record-breaking crowd of over 373,000 across five days, highlighting the intense competition and high stakes of the series.
India’s cautious approach early in the innings, marked by slow scoring from Jaiswal and skipper Rohit Sharma, faltered against Australia’s disciplined bowling. Cummins’ double-wicket maiden in the 17th over set the tone, removing Rohit and KL Rahul in quick succession.
While Jaiswal showed maturity and resilience, his dismissal off Cummins’ sharp bouncer left India vulnerable. The result not only underscores mounting pressure on senior Indian players like Rohit and Virat Kohli but also puts India’s World Test Championship hopes in jeopardy.
Australia now heads into the final Test in Sydney, needing a win to secure a place in the championship final, while India must win and rely on Sri Lanka’s performance to keep their chances alive.
