Australia took seven wickets after tea on the final day to defeat India by 184 runs in a thrilling fourth Test in Melbourne, seizing a 2-1 series lead ahead of the decisive match in Sydney.
India had been in a strong position during the middle session, thanks to a solid partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant, but they crumbled, losing seven wickets for just 34 runs. They were ultimately all out for 155, with a record crowd of 74,362 watching at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Australia’s attack was led by captain Pat Cummins and pacer Scott Boland, who took three wickets each, while Nathan Lyon contributed with two. The dramatic conclusion was marred by controversy surrounding the Decision Review System (DRS), particularly during a contentious call against Jaiswal.
Cummins, named Player of the Match, praised the Test match as one of the best he had been a part of. “The crowd’s been unbelievable, and the cricket’s been just as good,” he said, after his own performance included a vital 100-run contribution with the bat and six wickets.
The final day saw India resume at 112 for three, with Jaiswal and Pant looking to steer their team to safety. However, Pant’s dismissal for 30, caught by Mitchell Marsh after a poor pull shot off Travis Head, marked the turning point. Boland soon followed with the dismissals of Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy, leaving India in deep trouble.
A controversial review saw Jaiswal dismissed for 84 after a caught-behind decision was overturned by the third umpire, despite no clear evidence of a nick. This sparked protests from Jaiswal and sections of the crowd.
As India continued to collapse, Akash Deep was dismissed on review, and despite a late fight from tailenders Bumrah and Siraj, Australia wrapped up the win with Lyon trapping Siraj lbw for the final wicket.
India’s captain Rohit Sharma reflected on the defeat, admitting they had missed key opportunities to seize control. “We just didn’t take them,” he said, referencing their failure to dismiss Australia’s tail end on day four.
The loss leaves India in a precarious position for the World Test Championship final, while Australia’s hopes remain alive as they look to seal the series in Sydney. India must win the final Test and hope for other results to secure their place in the WTC decider.
