Melbourne [Australia]: India ended the second session of Day 5 at 112/3, chasing an imposing 340-run target against Australia in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Unbeaten half-centurion Yashasvi Jaiswal (63 off 159) and a resolute Rishabh Pant (28 off 93) kept the visitors’ hopes alive with a gritty stand, holding off a relentless Australian attack.
Second Session Highlights: Calm Amidst Pressure
Jaiswal and Pant displayed composure under immense pressure, ensuring no further setbacks for India after a flurry of wickets in the morning session.
- Jaiswal showcased maturity beyond his years, bringing up his second fifty of the match with a sublime boundary.
- Pant, known for his aggressive style, adopted a defensive approach, effectively nullifying the Australian pacers.
Australian skipper Pat Cummins, seeking breakthroughs, brought on part-timer Marnus Labuschagne for a surprise over before Tea. Despite Labuschagne’s short-ball tactics, Pant remained unfazed, leaving deliveries judiciously.
Morning Session: Australia’s Early Strikes
India’s chase began cautiously, with skipper Rohit Sharma and Jaiswal adopting a defensive approach against the new ball. However, Cummins and Mitchell Starc had other plans:
- Cummins dismissed Rohit (9 off 40) and KL Rahul (0) in a sensational over, both falling to edged deliveries.
- Starc claimed the prized wicket of Virat Kohli (5 off 29), who edged a drive to Usman Khawaja off a wide delivery.
At lunch, India found themselves reeling at 41/3, but Jaiswal and Pant’s resilience in the second session has rekindled hopes of a historic chase.
Australia’s Bowling Masterclass
Cummins (2/19) led the Australian attack with precision, while Starc and Nathan Lyon posed constant challenges. The hosts aim to capitalize on the deteriorating pitch and pressure the Indian middle order.
Match Summary
- Australia: 474 & 234 (Marnus Labuschagne 70, Nathan Lyon 41; Jasprit Bumrah 5-57)
- India: 369 & 112/3 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 63*, Rishabh Pant 28*; Pat Cummins 2-19)
With 228 runs required for victory and seven wickets in hand, India faces an uphill task. A thrilling final session awaits as the visitors look to script a remarkable comeback.