Sat Dec 28 02:10:00 UTC 2024: ## India Stumbles in Melbourne: Australia Dominates Day 1 of 4th Test
**Melbourne, Australia:** India found themselves struggling on the first day of the fourth Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. At the close of play, India were precariously positioned at 264/7 in their first innings, a far cry from a commanding start.
The series is currently tied 1-1, with both teams eager to claim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India, boasting a strong record in Australia with two consecutive series wins (2-1 in both 2018-19 and 2020-21), faced a significant challenge from the Australian bowlers.
Scott Boland led the Australian attack, claiming three crucial wickets, while Pat Cummins took two. Nathan Lyon also contributed a wicket, and one Indian batsman was run out. Nitish Kumar Reddy (47) and Washington Sundar (18) were unbeaten at the crease at the end of the day’s play.
Despite India’s recent dominance in Australia, the team appeared to be on the back foot for much of the day, struggling to build substantial partnerships against a disciplined Australian bowling attack. The match continues tomorrow.
First Piper 