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.
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!
On the fifth day of the Boxing Day Test, Indian bowler Jasprit Bumrah's five-wicket haul helped dismiss the Australian team for a total of 234 runs in their second innings, setting a challenging target of 340 runs for India. However, India struggled in their fourth innings, losing key players like captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to Australia's Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. The match remains in a crucial position as India needs 309 more runs to win in the remaining two sessions.
Bollywood actresses Anushka Sharma and Athiya Shetty were recently spotted at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) supporting Team India during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The two were seen in a photo posted by Indian cricketer Nitish Kumar Reddy's father on Instagram, with Athiya's pregnancy glow visible in the background. Anushka and her husband, Virat Kohli, have been in Australia with their children, Vamika and Akaay, celebrating their 7th wedding anniversary. Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar Reddy scored his maiden Test fifty for India, adding to the excitement of the day.
Former Australian cricketer and head coach Justin Langer has come to the defense of Indian captain Virat Kohli, claiming that he is still the best batter in the world despite his recent shortcomings. Langer justified his decision by pointing out Kohli's wide array of shots, impeccable leadership qualities, and supreme fitness. This comes after Kohli's dismissal on 36 runs in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which has attracted scrutiny towards the veteran batter.
Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar and former Australian opener Justin Langer pointed out the risky single taken by Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli's misjudgment, leading to the former's run-out in the fourth Test match in Melbourne. The run-out had a significant impact on India's performance as they collapsed after Jaiswal's exit. With seasoned off-spinner Nathan Lyon expected to come into play on day three, India will need to put their heads down and build a strong partnership to stay in the game against the dominating Australian side.
In a heartwarming gesture, India's Virat Kohli reached out and patted Australia's Steve Smith on the back after the latter scored his 34th Test century during the ongoing Boxing Day Test. This comes just a day after Kohli's heated altercation with Sam Konstas, which resulted in a fine from the International Cricket Council. Kohli's act of sportsmanship serves as an inspiration for all, especially after India suffered a familiar collapse after a crucial run-out on day two.
Australia's Steve Smith believes that the dramatic run-out of Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal late on Day 2 was the turning point in the ongoing Boxing Day Test match. Smith pointed out that the mix-up between Jaiswal and Virat Kohli, resulting in Jaiswal's dismissal, shifted the momentum in Australia's favor. India, who were well-positioned at 153/2, suffered a late collapse and ended the day at 164/5, trailing Australia's first-innings total by 310 runs. Smith also praised Jaiswal's aggressive innings and Kohli's measured knock, while highlighting the importance of breaking their partnership.
Virat Kohli, India's star batsman, lost his cool after being booed by Australian fans at the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) during the Border Gavaskar Trophy. His reaction, captured on camera, has gone viral. Kohli was walking back to the dressing room after dismissal when the crowd continued to boo him, leading to his intense response. Fans have come to his support, urging him to reply with his bat and bring the fire back.
In a highly anticipated encounter between India and Australia, a physical altercation between Virat Kohli and debutant Sam Konstas took place on the field. Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley expressed his disappointment, stating that physical contact has no place in cricket. While Kohli was charged for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct and fined 20 percent of his match fee, Konstas showed remarkable maturity by downplaying the incident. With the series being high stakes for both teams, Hockley believed the intensity of the competition could have been a contributing factor.