Mon Dec 30 07:15:48 UTC 2024: ## Australia Claims Series Lead After Dominant Win in Melbourne

**Melbourne, Australia –** Australia secured a resounding 184-run victory over India in the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Monday, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. India, chasing a challenging target, were bowled out for 155 on Day 5.

Yashasvi Jaiswal top-scored for India with a gritty 84, narrowly missing out on a century for the second time in the match following a controversial dismissal. His innings was a lone stand against a dominant Australian bowling attack. The Indian middle order crumbled after the early loss of Rishabh Pant, with veterans Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli all failing to make significant contributions. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Ravindra Jadeja also offered little resistance following Pant’s dismissal.

Nathan Lyon led the Australian bowling charge, claiming four crucial wickets. Pacers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Scott Boland also played key roles in dismantling the Indian batting line-up. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting deemed Jaiswal’s dismissal, a caught-behind decision, as “no argument whatsoever.”

The win marks a significant turning point in the series, leaving Australia in a commanding position heading into the final match.

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