Sat Dec 28 06:10:00 UTC 2024: ## Australia Dominates Day Three of Boxing Day Test, Leaving India Facing Steep Target
**Melbourne, Australia –** Australia seized control of the fourth Ashes Test against India on day three at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), leaving the visitors with a daunting task to avoid defeat. A fiery pace attack decimated India’s top order after Australia posted a massive first-innings total built around Steve Smith’s 34th Test century.
Resuming on 311/6, Australia added a further 163 runs, with Smith anchoring the innings with a masterful 140 that included 13 fours and three sixes. He reached his century with a boundary off Nitish Kumar Reddy, adding to his recent resurgence after scoring 101 in Brisbane. His partnership with Pat Cummins (49) yielded 112 runs before Cummins was dismissed.
India, needing to overcome a significant deficit, began their second innings shakily. Captain Rohit Sharma was dismissed early for 3, followed by KL Rahul (24) – both falling victim to Pat Cummins. Despite Yashasvi Jaiswal’s impressive 82, a comical run-out involving Virat Kohli (36) and a series of quick wickets in the final half-hour significantly hampered India’s progress. Scott Boland and Pat Cummins each took two wickets, leaving India teetering at 164/5 at the close of play, still 310 runs behind Australia’s 474.
The day highlighted the stark contrast between the two teams’ performances. Australia’s aggressive batting and relentless bowling showcased their dominance, while India struggled to build partnerships and counter the Australian attack. The remaining days of the match promise an exciting finish as India battles to salvage a draw or even, unlikely as it seems, a victory. The series is currently tied 1-1.
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