Mon Dec 30 06:00:44 UTC 2024: ## Australia Sets India a Mountain to Climb in Thrilling MCG Test

**Melbourne, Australia** – A dramatic final day of the fourth Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) saw the home side set India a daunting 340-run chase after a late-innings surge. Jasprit Bumrah’s four-ball demolition of the Australian tail ended their second innings on 234, but a defiant last-wicket partnership between Nathan Lyon (41*) and Scott Boland (10) added crucial runs, leaving India facing a record target for a successful chase at the MCG.

India’s reply started disastrously. Pat Cummins removed both Rohit Sharma (9) and KL Rahul (0) in the same over, and Virat Kohli (5) also fell early, leaving India reeling at 33/3 at lunch. Despite an impressive 84-run knock by Yashasvi Jaiswal (208 balls), who displayed remarkable resilience, India’s chase faltered. A stunning 88-run partnership between Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant (28) offered brief hope after lunch but ended abruptly when Pant attempted a reckless shot against Travis Head, falling caught in the deep. Further wickets of Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy soon followed.

Jaiswal’s innings, characterized by both controlled defense and occasional aggressive strokes, ultimately ended controversially as he was given out caught behind, despite the technology failing to show a clear spike on the snickometer. The umpire’s on-field decision was upheld based on visual evidence of deflection, leaving the young opener visibly frustrated. India, seven wickets down, faced a herculean task late in the day to avoid defeat.

The match remains delicately poised, with all three results – an Indian victory, an Australian win, or a draw – still possible heading into the final session. The day’s play highlighted the contrasting fortunes of both teams. While Australia’s lower-order defied expectations, India’s middle-order failed to deliver against relentless pace bowling. The tension was palpable at the packed MCG, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for this high-stakes clash.

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