Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Australia Extend Lead to 333 After Day 4 Drama

Melbourne: Australia’s tail-end resistance and a gritty half-century from Marnus Labuschagne have given the hosts a commanding 333-run lead over India at the end of Day 4 of the fourth Test, leaving India facing a daunting record chase.

The day ended with Australia at 228/9, thanks to a stubborn 55-run partnership between Nathan Lyon (41*) and Scott Boland (10*), which frustrated India’s bowlers and delayed any hopes of a late breakthrough. Bumrah, who had earlier ripped through Australia’s middle order, had Lyon caught in the slips in the final over, but the delivery was ruled a no-ball, further deflating India’s spirits.

Australia’s middle-order collapse had earlier allowed India to claw back into the game. From a comfortable 80/2, Australia slumped to 91/6, with Bumrah (3/47) wreaking havoc with a three-wicket burst before tea. Mohammed Siraj also contributed, dismissing Steve Smith and Travis Head, while Bumrah claimed Mitchell Marsh and Alex Carey in quick succession.

However, Australia’s captain Pat Cummins (41) and Labuschagne (70) steadied the ship, with a crucial 57-run partnership. Despite further resistance from Lyon and Boland, India’s task has now grown significantly tougher.

India’s fielding lapses, including dropped catches from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Kumar Reddy, also allowed the Australians to extend their innings. Labuschagne, who was let off at 46, added important runs to frustrate India’s bowlers.

India will face one of the toughest chases in Test history on Day 5. The only instance of a team successfully chasing more than 300 runs for victory at the MCG came in 1928, when England successfully chased 332 to defeat Australia.

Labuschagne, however, remains confident that the pitch still offers enough assistance for Australia’s bowlers. “The movement off the seam is still there, but the bounce is much lower,” he noted, making batting a tricky prospect.

India, still smarting from their batting struggles, will need a herculean effort to chase down Australia’s total, with their hopes now hinging on their top order finding form on the final day.