Mon Dec 30 01:53:00 UTC 2024: ## India Faces Steep Climb After Collapse on Day 5 of MCG Test

**Melbourne, Australia** – A dramatic fifth day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has left India facing a monumental task to win the fourth Test against Australia. After Australia reached 234 all out thanks to a late 61-run partnership between Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland, India were reduced to a precarious 33/3 at lunch, chasing a daunting 340 runs for victory.

The morning session saw the dismissals of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli, with Pat Cummins taking two wickets and Mitchell Starc claiming Kohli’s scalp just before the break. India’s chase was further complicated by Jasprit Bumrah’s five-wicket haul in Australia’s second innings, which restricted them to a total that, while significant, didn’t leave India a walk in the park to victory.

Australia’s innings had earlier seen a stunning collapse from 80-2 to 91-6, before a 57-run stand between Marnus Labuschagne (70) and Pat Cummins (41) steadied the ship. Bumrah, however, was the star of the day, claiming his 200th Test wicket in a breathtaking spell that saw him dominate the Australian middle order.

The match attracted a record-breaking crowd of 350,700 across all five days, exceeding the previous MCG Test attendance record set in 1937. Cricket Australia’s Joel Morrisson praised the fans’ incredible support.

With all results still possible – a win for either team, or a draw – the final day promises an enthralling finish to the fourth Test and a significant impact on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India’s chances of victory hinge on a remarkable turnaround in their batting performance.

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