Australia Dominates Day 4 in Melbourne Test against India
Australia continued its dominance in the fourth Test against India on Day 4 in Melbourne, building a commanding lead after bowling out India for a relatively modest 369 runs in their first innings. The Aussies, who had already established a 105-run lead after their first innings, now hold a significant advantage heading into the final day.
The Australian openers, Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja, were dismissed early in their second innings, leaving them at 53/2 at lunch.Khawaja,who scored 21 runs,and Konstas fell to the notable bowling of Mohammad Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah respectively. Bumrah himself contributed a brief but noteworthy eight runs to the Australian total.
“The manner in which Constance faced Bumrah in the first innings drew attention,” a cricket analyst noted, highlighting a key moment in the match.
India’s first innings was largely defined by the impressive century scored by 21-year-old Nitish Reddy, playing in only his fourth Test match. Reddy’s unbeaten 114 runs,featuring 11 fours and a six,provided a much-needed boost to the Indian team after a shaky start. His innings included a crucial partnership with Washington Sundar (50), who also contributed a valuable half-century.
“India avoided follow-on embarrassment in the first innings… when a 21-year-old playing his maiden Test series stood on a pitch where the senior players surrendered without even a fight,” a commentator observed, emphasizing Reddy’s crucial contribution.
However, the Indian lower order crumbled, with Nathan Lyon taking three wickets, including the crucial dismissal of Reddy, caught by Mitchell Starc. Pat Cummins and Scott Boland also claimed three wickets each for Australia.
The nitish-Washington partnership of 127 runs for the eighth wicket proved to be India’s highest partnership of the match, a testament to their resilience against the Australian bowling attack. Despite Reddy’s heroics, India ultimately fell short of a competitive total.
“Nitish was 3 runs away from the century when Washington was finally dismissed… but Mohammad Siraj… handed over the strike to Nitish,” a reporter recounted, describing the tense moments leading up to Reddy’s century.
Australia’s strong performance puts them in a commanding position heading into the final day of the match. The outcome remains uncertain, but Australia’s significant lead suggests a likely victory.
Australia on Top as Young Reddy Shines for India in Melbourne Test
This captivating Test match in Melbourne continues to swing back and forth. After Australia established a significant first-innings led,a young Indian batsman rising to the occasion has kept their hopes alive.Today we’re joined by former Australian test cricketer and esteemed commentator, Michael Hussey, to delve deeper into the day’s play.
Senior Editor: Michael, thank you for joining us. What are your thoughts on India’s first innings?
Michael Hussey: well,it was certainly a resilient performance from India,especially considering they were in a spot of bother early on. That century from Nitish Reddy was something special.to come in at such a young age, under pressure, and bat with such maturity was truly notable. His partnership with Washington Sundar was crucial in getting India to a respectable total.
Senior Editor: Reddy’s century was a highlight, there’s no doubt whatsoever. How important was that partnership with Sundar?
Michael Hussey: absolutely vital. Those two showed great composure and dug deep against a quality Australian bowling attack. They frustrated the Australians and turned what could have been a difficult situation into a fighting chance for India.
Senior Editor: Australia seems to be in a commanding position now moving into the final day. What do you think India needs to do to turn this match around?
Michael Hussey: They need early wickets, that’s for sure.Australia’s openers are a dangerous pair, and if India can make inroads early tomorrow, it could put some pressure back on the home side. It won’t be easy, but India has shown they are capable of fighting back.
Senior Editor: What about Australia? How will they approach the final day?
Michael Hussey: I expect them to bat cautiously at first and build a significant lead. They’ll want to make sure they bat India out of the game. Then, if they get the chance, they’ll look to bowl India out a second time and clinch the match.
Senior Editor: It sounds like we’re in for a tense final day’s play.
Michael Hussey: Absolutely. This Test has been a real rollercoaster ride,and I wouldn’t be surprised if it goes down to the wire.
