Despite early setbacks with the failure of veterans Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, India's Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant showed resilience with their partnership of 88 runs on Day 5 of the 4th Test between India and Australia at MCG. However, a quick 2-wicket haul by Scott Boland and Travis Head shifted the game in Australia's favor. By lunch, India had lost 3 wickets while chasing 340, leaving the match on a knife's edge. Stay tuned for live updates!
India vs Australia 4th Test: Dramatic Day 5 at MCG
The fourth Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) witnessed a gripping Day 5. Despite losing early wickets, India fought back valiantly before Australia regained control towards lunchtime.
Early Indian Misfortunes
India's batting lineup suffered a setback in the morning session as Rohit Sharma (12), Virat Kohli (8), and KL Rahul (0) were dismissed cheaply. The early collapses left India in a precarious position, with the score at 27/3.
Jaiswal-Pant Partnership
However, young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant showcased resilience, forging an 88-run partnership. Jaiswal played a mature innings of 62, while Pant contributed 52. Their partnership provided India with much-needed stability.
Australian Comeback
Australia's pacers, Scott Boland and Travis Head, turned the game in their favor with quick wickets. Boland dismissed Jaiswal, while Head removed Cheteshwar Pujara and Pant in successive deliveries. By lunch, India had lost three wickets while chasing a target of 340.
Top 5 FAQs
Who are the top performers so far in the match?
What is India's target?
How many wickets has India lost?
What is the status of the match at lunchtime on Day 5?
What happened in previous matches of the series?
After Rishabh Pant's car accident and subsequent absence from international cricket, KL Rahul stepped up to fill the void as India's wicket-keeper and No. 5 batsman. With impressive performances in the Asia Cup 2023 and World Cup 2023, he solidified his spot in the team. However, with Pant's comeback during the ODIs in Sri Lanka, India is faced with a decision on who will take on the role for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With a series against England to determine the position, KL Rahul has proven himself as a capable No. 5 batsman, with two centuries and nine fifties at an average of 57.
Portugal's star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo declares himself as the best in football history, surpassing his argentine rival Lionel Messi. In a recent interview, Ronaldo stated that while he respects those who prefer Messi, he believes he is the most complete player to ever exist. He also expressed a healthy rivalry between the two and reflected on their 15 years of competing against each other.
Chelsea's bid for the Premier League title is all but over as they stumble to a 1-1 draw against West Ham United. Enzo Maresca's side have struggled to maintain leads in recent games and their defensive frailties have cost them once again. With their top-seven position no longer guaranteed, the Blues must regroup and strengthen their defense if they hope to challenge for the title in the future.
After a last-minute change of heart, Tottenham look set to sign Bayern Munich's Mathys Tel on a loan deal. The versatile attacker will provide much-needed depth for Tottenham, and with his ability to play on the flanks and up front, he is expected to make a significant impact for the team. According to Tottenham captain Harry Kane, Tel is a hard worker and "a weapon" for the team, while former coach Thomas Tuchel has praised his scoring and assist abilities. Tottenham fans can look forward to seeing what this talented Frenchman can bring to their squad.
After a successful stint at Chelsea, Joao Felix is set to depart Stamford Bridge and join AC Milan on loan on Deadline Day. Despite interest from other clubs, including Aston Villa, the Portuguese forward is primed to make the move to Italy after holding talks with the club. With six-and-a-half years left on his contract, Felix will look to continue his impressive scoring form in the Serie A.
After impressing in pre-season, Harry Amass was seen as a potential breakthrough player for Manchester United this season. However, with limited opportunities and new signings stalling his progress, Amass was linked with a loan move. Many fans were hoping for a reunion with fellow academy graduate Marcus Rashford at Aston Villa, but Ineos have now decided to hold onto the talented full-back with plans for a summer move instead.
Inter Miami CF dominated their match against Sporting San Miguelito, securing a 3-1 victory in their Preseason Tour of Latin America. The match saw goals from recent signings Tadeo Allende and Fafa Picault, as well as a goal from Academy product Benjamin Cremaschi. After this win, the team looks forward to their next match against Club Deportivo Olimpia.
In a shocking move, the Dallas Mavericks have traded Luka Doncic, their franchise player, just months after making it to the NBA Finals. Reports suggest that Doncic's weight and overall conditioning were major factors in the decision. NBA legend Charles Barkley weighs in on the situation, sharing his own experience with weight criticism in his rookie year and pointing out the lack of accountability in Doncic's camp. This trade has left many questioning the professionalism and loyalty of the Mavericks' front office towards their star player.
Robert Lewandowski's second-half goal secured a crucial victory for Barcelona against Alaves, cutting the gap on league leaders Real Madrid down to four points. The win allows the Catalans to capitalize on Real Madrid's slip-up against Espanyol and trail them by a narrow margin. With a derby match between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid next weekend, Hansi Flick's side could potentially make up even more ground. Though Alaves put up a tough fight, it was Lewandowski's goal from a Lamine Yamal cross that ultimately sealed the deal for Barcelona.
In a heated match between Arsenal and Manchester City, Martin Odegaard opened the scoring with a goal in the second minute of the game. The Norwegian's goal was a result of a costly mistake by Manuel Akanji, who gave away possession to Kai Havertz, ultimately leading to the goal. The two teams have a history of intense matches, with the previous encounter seeing Erling Haaland and Gabriel getting into a physical altercation. This time, Gabriel celebrated Odegaard's goal right in front of Haaland, reminding him of their past encounter.