Mon Dec 30 06:25:51 UTC 2024: ## Australia on the Brink of Victory as India’s Resistance Falters on Day 5

**Melbourne, Australia** – A thrilling Boxing Day Test match between India and Australia hangs in the balance on Day 5, with the hosts poised for victory despite a spirited fightback from the visitors. Australia, resuming with a substantial lead, saw Jasprit Bumrah claim another five-wicket haul, eventually dismissing them for 234. However, India’s chase of 340 runs has been fraught with challenges.

The morning session belonged to Australia, with Pat Cummins picking up two early wickets, including Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, before Mitchell Starc dismissed Virat Kohli, leaving India reeling at 33/3. This early collapse put Australia firmly in control.

Despite a resolute partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal (63) and Rishabh Pant (28) in the afternoon, India’s innings continued to be marred by a series of wickets. A controversial LBW decision saw Jaiswal dismissed, and further wickets fell in quick succession, leaving India struggling in the final session.

While a late fightback from the Indian lower-order is not entirely impossible, the loss of key players like Pant and several crucial middle-order batters significantly reduced India’s chances of a victory. Scott Boland’s excellent bowling during the latter part of the day contributed to India’s collapse, taking several key wickets that left India’s tail exposed. The possibility of a draw remains, but Australia appears firmly in the driver’s seat as the day concludes.

The match has drawn record-breaking crowds to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), with a total attendance of 350,700 exceeding the previous record set in 1937. The final session promises further excitement, and the outcome will have significant implications for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series and the World Test Championship points tally.

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