The fourth Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) proved to be an unforgettable nail-biter for both teams and the record-breaking crowd of 373,691. After a promising start, India's series hopes were crushed by their own mental errors, especially costly shots taken by Rishabh Pant and captain Virat Kohli. The Australians, led by Pat Cummins, did not let the opportunity slip away and secured a stunning victory to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The day also saw a record-breaking turnout and a prodigious debut by young Sam Konstas.
India and Australia's Unforgettable Melbourne Test: A Tale of Triumph and Disappointment
The fourth Test match between India and Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on December 26-30, 2020, will undoubtedly go down in the annals of cricket history as one of the most thrilling and unforgettable encounters. Despite a promising start, India's series hopes were dashed by a series of costly errors, handing the victory to the resolute Australian team.
Background
The series was poised at 1-1 ahead of the MCG Test, with India having won the first Test in Adelaide and Australia leveling the series in Perth. The MCG Test was crucial for both teams, as a win would give either side a significant advantage in the five-match series.
India entered the match with a strong batting lineup, including the likes of Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Rishabh Pant. Australia, on the other hand, was led by Pat Cummins, who replaced an injured Tim Paine as captain.
The Match
India started the match on a positive note, scoring 326 runs in their first innings. However, their hopes of building a substantial lead were shattered by a series of mental errors. Rishabh Pant, known for his aggressive style, played a reckless shot, resulting in his dismissal for a mere 26 runs. Captain Virat Kohli, too, played an uncharacteristic shot and was caught for 44.
Australia seized the opportunity, with Travis Head and Cameron Green scoring centuries to guide their team to a first-innings lead of 131 runs. India's batting woes continued in their second innings, as they were bowled out for just 200 runs.
With a target of 333, Australia approached the final day of the Test with determination. Openers Joe Burns and Matthew Wade provided a solid start, before Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith took charge. Smith scored a brilliant century, guiding Australia to a memorable victory.
Key Moments
FAQs
Q1: Who was the captain of India during the MCG Test? A1: Virat Kohli
Q2: Who scored the most runs for Australia in the match? A2: Marnus Labuschagne (103)
Q3: What was the total attendance for the MCG Test? A3: 373,691
Q4: Who was making his debut for Australia in the MCG Test? A4: Sam Konstas
Q5: Who won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy? A5: Australia
India captain Shubman Gill provides update on Rishabh Pant's injury after India's heartbreaking defeat in the third Test against England. Pant, who made 74 and 9 in the two innings, went for scans and is expected to recover for the next Test match. Despite a valiant effort from Ravindra Jadeja and a brilliant fight from Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, India fell short by 22 runs in a historic chase of 193.
Shoaib Bashir, England's offspinner, has been ruled out of the remaining matches in the England-India Test series after sustaining a finger fracture while attempting a catch on Day 3 of the third test. He scored two runs in the second innings but was mostly sidelined until he was called upon to bowl late on Day 5. He picked up the final wicket to secure a thrilling victory for England, but will now undergo surgery and be replaced by a replacement spinner for the remainder of the series.
Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir's emotional outburst caught on camera after England's Joe Root was dismissed by Washington Sundar during the ongoing third Test at Lord's has become an instant hit on social media. Sundar's sensational 4/22 helped India bundle out England for 192, setting a target of 193 for the visitors. Despite losing four wickets, India will need 135 runs on the final day to take the lead in the nail-biting contest.
Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan reflects on Karun Nair's form in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series between England and India. He predicts that if India loses the current clash at Lord's, Nair's time in the starting XI will be up. Vaughan also emphasizes the importance of Rishabh Pant in the final day of the game and believes that if Pant scores more than 30 runs, India will secure a victory. With 135 runs needed for victory and six wickets left, the pressure is on both teams to come out on top.
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