Mon Dec 30 02:41:06 UTC 2024: ## India Faces Steep Climb After Collapse on Day 5 of Melbourne Test
**Melbourne, Australia** – India faces a daunting task on the final day of the fourth Ashes Test against Australia after a top-order collapse left them reeling at 33/3 in pursuit of a challenging 340-run victory target. The MCG witnessed a dramatic start to the day’s play, with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc dismantling India’s batting line-up, dismissing Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli before lunch.
Earlier, Jasprit Bumrah starred with another five-wicket haul, his 200th Test wicket, bowing out Australia for 234. Bumrah’s incredible spell, which included four wickets for 56 runs, saw Australia collapse from a relatively comfortable 80-2 to a precarious 91-6, before a late rally from Marnus Labuschagne (70) and Pat Cummins (41) steadied the ship. India’s first innings ended at 369, in response to Australia’s 474.
Despite a record-breaking crowd of 350,700 across the five days – the highest ever attendance for a Test match at the MCG – the atmosphere turned tense as India’s chase faltered. The team will need a remarkable turnaround to avoid defeat, with a draw or even a win now seeming unlikely.
The match has been a rollercoaster, with momentum shifting dramatically throughout. While Australia initially dominated, India fought back on Day 3 thanks to a century by Nitish Kumar Reddy. However, Australia’s resurgence on Day 5 has placed them firmly in the driver’s seat. The final day promises an exciting finish, with the possibility of an outright victory for Australia, a draw, or even a rare tie, all remaining possibilities.
First Piper 