Australia delivered a clinical performance on Day 5 of the fourth Test against India, wrapping up the match with a dominant 184-run victory. The result gives Australia a 2-1 series lead as they head into the final Test with their sights set on claiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in a decade.
Pat Cummins and his men stepped up when it mattered most. The Australian bowlers took seven wickets in a blistering third session, dismantling India’s batting lineup. A determined innings from Yashasvi Jaiswal and a short but gritty resistance from Rishabh Pant were the highlights of India’s chase, but the rest of the team crumbled under pressure.
The Fightback That Almost Was
India’s chase on the final day was never going to be easy. With 340 runs required to win, India needed to build partnerships and eat into the target without losing wickets in clusters. Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal had given India a steady start, but the pressure was always mounting. At the start of the day, India seemed determined to take on the challenge headfirst. “We’re going for 340,” said Rohit Sharma, setting the tone for the day. But things quickly took a turn.
Despite a 50-run partnership between Jaiswal and Rohit, the breakthrough came when Scott Boland caught Rohit Sharma off guard. With India 22/1, the writing was on the wall. It wasn’t long before KL Rahul followed suit, dismissed for a duck by Pat Cummins. As the wickets began to tumble, Virat Kohli’s departure only added to India’s mounting anxiety. His dismissal off Mitchell Starc set the stage for a tense and uncertain middle session.
Key Moments of Day 5:
- Jaiswal’s dogged 84 off 208 balls was the backbone of India’s resistance, though it ended in a cloud of controversy when he was caught out while attempting a hook shot.
- Rishabh Pant looked promising, showing a new, restrained approach in his innings, but a rash shot off Travis Head led to his downfall.
- Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon kept chipping away at India’s middle order, with Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy following in quick succession.
A Day of Broken Dreams for India
By the time the third session began, India was already in a perilous position. With Jaiswal’s wicket falling, the tail was exposed. Washington Sundar, the last recognized batter, was left to fight an uphill battle. However, Australia’s bowlers, led by Cummins, knew exactly how to finish the job.
What followed was a spectacle of aggression and precision. Cummins took the ball in the final session and immediately made an impact, dismissing Jaiswal. The drama didn’t end there. With the collapse of India’s middle order, including Jadeja, India’s hopes of victory dissipated quickly. The final wickets were a mere formality as Boland and Lyon chipped away at India’s tail to secure the win.
Key Stats:
- Australia’s bowlers delivered a collective effort, with Pat Cummins and Scott Boland taking three wickets each, and Nathan Lyon finishing with two.
- India’s collapse on Day 5 mirrored their struggles throughout the series, particularly with the top order failing to provide stability.
- This victory marks Australia’s first series lead over India since 2015, putting them in a strong position heading into the final Test in Sydney.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
With Australia leading 2-1, the final Test in Sydney is poised to be a defining moment in the series. India will need to regroup and make changes, particularly in their top-order batting, if they are to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Questions will be raised about the form of established players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have been underwhelming in crucial moments. Meanwhile, Australia’s confidence is high, and they will look to capitalize on their momentum.
The pressure is now on India to bounce back in the Sydney Test, but with weather conditions playing a role, the match is expected to be a thrilling one.
The fourth Test was an absolute spectacle, filled with twists, turns, and drama. It was a reminder of the unpredictable nature of Test cricket, where no lead is ever truly safe. As Pat Cummins said after the match, it was probably the best Test he had ever been involved in. Fans can expect more fireworks when the teams meet again on January 3 in Sydney. With the series hanging in the balance, one thing is certain: the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is set to be decided in style.
