Boxing Day Test: Australia All Out for 234, Sets India a Challenging Target

As part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the fourth Test match between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground has entered a critical phase. In their second innings, the Australian team was bowled out for 234 runs, setting a formidable target of 340 runs for India when combined with their first-innings lead.

Australia resumed the fifth day at their overnight score of 228/9 and managed to add just six more runs before being bowled out. Notably, the 10th-wicket partnership between Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon contributed an impressive 61 runs, providing a late boost to the hosts’ total.

Among the Australian batters, Marnus Labuschagne stood out with a half-century, scoring 70 runs. Captain Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon both contributed 41 runs each, helping to stabilize the innings after earlier setbacks.

India’s bowling attack was led by Jasprit Bumrah, who claimed a five-wicket haul. Mohammad Siraj provided strong support, taking three wickets, while Ravindra Jadeja picked up one crucial dismissal.

In response, India began their second innings cautiously. At stumps on the fifth day, the team had reached 21/0 after 14 overs. Openers Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal are currently at the crease with scores of 7 and 10 respectively. India needs another 319 runs to secure a victory in this crucial Test.