Mon Dec 30 12:40:52 UTC 2024: ## Australia Defeats India by 184 Runs in Boxing Day Test, Complicating World Test Championship Chances

**Melbourne, Australia –** Australia secured a resounding victory over India in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Monday, defeating the visitors by 184 runs. Chasing a challenging 340-run target on the final day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), India was bowled out for a paltry 155 runs, managing only 76.4 overs in their second innings despite batting with eight specialist batsmen.

Yashasvi Jaiswal top-scored for India with 84 runs, a determined innings that included a controversial dismissal. His 88-run partnership with Rishabh Pant (30) offered brief hope, but the Indian innings crumbled after Pant’s dismissal, losing seven wickets for 24 runs in a devastating collapse in the third session. The top order failed miserably, with Rohit Sharma (9) and KL Rahul (0) falling early, followed by Virat Kohli’s brief 5-run cameo.

Pat Cummins and Scott Boland were the pick of the Australian bowlers, each claiming three wickets. Nathan Lyon also contributed significantly with two wickets.

Earlier, Australia, resuming their second innings at 233/9, were bowled out for 234, setting India a challenging target of 340 runs. Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the Indian bowlers, picking up a crucial 5 wickets.

This victory gives Australia a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, leaving the final Sydney Test, starting January 3rd, crucial. The defeat significantly impacts India’s chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship final.

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