Mohammed Siraj of India celebrates the wicket of Steve Smith of Australia during day four of the Men’s Fourth Test Match in the series between Australia and India at Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 29, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia.
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Australia scripted a fightback as tailenders Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland managed to take the lead past 300-runs on Sunday (December 29, 2024)
Mohammed Siraj registered his third wicket as he dismissed Marnus Labuschagne after Tea on the fourth day of the Test match. Jasprit Bumrah left Australia in a daze with a dream spell as the hosts were tottering at 135 for 6 at tea, giving India their first sniff of victory.
Australia is currently leading by 253 runs and the Indian bowling unit led by Bumrah hasn’t let them run away despite a 105-run first innings lead after India finished their first essay on 369.
Bumrah (4/30 in 14 overs), who completed 200 Test wickets at an incredible average of 19.56, was unplayable in the second innings.
With immaculate length, awkward bounce and late movement, he had the Australian line-up in complete tangle.
Bumrah cleaned up Sam Konstas (8) while Siraj got rid of Usman Khawaja (21) before lunch as Indian bowlers did not allow the hosts to run away.
India were bowled out for 369 earlier, having resumed their first innings at 358/9. India added 11 runs to their overnight total as Nitish Kumar Reddy (114) was the last batter to be dismissed.
For Australia, Pat Cummins, Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon claimed three wickets each as the hosts took a crucial 105-run lead.
Brief scores: Australia 474 & 53/2 in 25 overs (Usman Khawaja 21, Marnus Labuschagne 20*; Jasprit Bumrah 1/18, Mohammed Siraj 1/10) lead India 369 by 158 runs.
Published – December 29, 2024 07:22 am IST
Content Source: www.thehindu.com