Mon Dec 30 10:12:26 UTC 2024: ## Australia Wins Thrilling Fourth Test Against India by 184 Runs
**Melbourne, Australia** – Australia secured a thrilling 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. Chasing a challenging 340 runs on the final day, India was bowled out for 155, despite a valiant 84 from Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Jaiswal’s innings, which briefly raised hopes of a draw, ended controversially when he was given out lbw to a Pat Cummins bouncer, a decision that sparked debate. Apart from Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant (30), no other Indian batter reached double figures. Pat Cummins and Scott Boland led the Australian bowling attack, each claiming three wickets.
The match was a rollercoaster of fluctuating momentum. After India’s strong first innings, Australia fought back with an impressive bowling performance and crucial breakthroughs. Pant’s dismissal triggered a late-innings collapse that sealed the victory for the home side.
Australian captain Pat Cummins praised his team’s bowling performance, stating it was “close to bowling perfection” in the final session. He also addressed the controversial dismissal of Jaiswal, stating the decision was correct, despite the lack of conclusive evidence from technology. He expressed disappointment with Pant’s shot selection and acknowledged the need for the team to regroup before the final Test in Sydney.
The win sets up a crucial final Test in Sydney, starting Friday. While Australia now holds the advantage, India will be keen to level the series in the final encounter. The high-quality cricket and passionate crowd made this Boxing Day Test a memorable event, attracting a record attendance of 350,700 across the five days.
First Piper 