Mon Dec 30 07:15:48 UTC 2024: **Australia Defeats India by 184 Runs in Boxing Day Test**

Melbourne, Australia – Australia secured a resounding victory over India in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Monday, December 30th, winning by 184 runs. Chasing a challenging 340-run target at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), India was bowled out for 155 in their second innings, failing to bat out even 80 overs despite having eight specialist batsmen in their line-up.

Yashasvi Jaiswal top-scored for India with 84 runs, displaying resilience before eventually falling to Pat Cummins. A crucial 88-run partnership between Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant (30) offered brief hope, but the Indian middle order crumbled spectacularly in the third session, losing seven wickets for 24 runs. Early dismissals of Rohit Sharma (9) and KL Rahul (0) set the tone for a disappointing batting display. Virat Kohli also contributed a meagre 5 runs before being dismissed.

Pat Cummins and Scott Boland were the pick of the Australian bowlers, each claiming three wickets. Nathan Lyon took two, while Mitchell Starc and Travis Head chipped in with one each.

Earlier, Australia, resuming their second innings at 233/9, were eventually bowled out for 234, setting India the challenging 340-run target. Jasprit Bumrah was the standout bowler for India, taking five wickets.

This victory gives Australia a 2-1 lead in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The final Test will be played in Sydney, starting January 3rd. The Indian team will need a significant turnaround in their performance to level the series.

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