source : ICC
In a dramatic showdown at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the Indian cricket team succumbed to a 184-run defeat against Australia in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024. This loss has placed Australia in the driver’s seat, leading the series 2-1 with only one match remaining.
The match began with Australia asserting their dominance. Steve Smith’s stellar knock of 140 anchored the team to a commanding first-innings total of 474. India, in response, showcased glimpses of resilience but could only muster 369, with young sensation Nitish Kumar Reddy scoring his maiden Test century and Yashasvi Jaiswal contributing a valiant 82.
Australia’s second innings saw a strategic declaration at 234, setting India a challenging target of 340 runs on a pitch offering variable bounce. Unfortunately, India’s batting lineup faltered under pressure, collapsing to a disappointing 155 all out. Yashasvi Jaiswal fought hard with a resilient 84, but his efforts were not enough to steer India to safety.
The loss at the MCG highlighted recurring issues within India’s batting lineup. Skipper Rohit Sharma and veteran Virat Kohli struggled to make an impact, both falling cheaply in the second innings. Their inability to anchor the innings placed immense pressure on the middle order. Promising starts were squandered as the middle-order batsmen failed to convert. Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant’s dismissal, in particular, triggered a rapid decline. Apart from Jaiswal’s valiant knock, India’s innings was devoid of substantial partnerships, a critical factor when chasing a challenging target.
Steve Smith’s masterful 140 in the first innings set the tone for the hosts. The Australian bowlers, led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, executed their plans brilliantly, dismantling India’s batting order with precision. On the Indian side, Nitish Kumar Reddy’s maiden century in the first innings was a beacon of hope, while Yashasvi Jaiswal’s fighting 84 in the second innings stood out amid the ruins.
India’s inconsistent batting form remains a significant concern as the series heads to Sydney for the final Test. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on the line, the team must regroup, address their batting frailties, and deliver a cohesive performance to level the series.
