Mon Dec 30 23:07:31 UTC 2024: ## Bumrah’s Bowling Masterclass Seals Australian Innings, Sets India 340-Run Target at MCG

**Melbourne, Australia:** Jasprit Bumrah produced a breathtaking bowling performance on Day 5 of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), securing his 13th five-wicket haul in Test cricket and effectively ending Australia’s hopes of victory. Bumrah’s 5 for 57 from 24.4 overs, including the crucial dismissal of Nathan Lyon in just four deliveries, bowled out Australia for 228, setting India a challenging but achievable target of 340 runs to win.

This performance marked a career-high workload for Bumrah, who bowled an incredible 53.2 overs in the match – a testament to his tireless effort and pivotal role in India’s success. His dominance at the MCG continues to be phenomenal, with 24 wickets in six matches at an astonishing average of 14.66 and a strike rate of 32.7.

Australia, resuming their innings at 80/2, initially looked resilient with Marnus Labuschagne’s gritty 70. However, his dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse, seeing them slump to 91/6. While Pat Cummins offered valiant resistance with a 41-run knock and a late partnership between Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon extended Australia’s lead, Bumrah’s precision proved too much to overcome. The Indian pace attack relentlessly pressured the Australian batsmen, ultimately securing a decisive victory. The match now hinges on India’s ability to chase down the challenging 340-run target.

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