Australia emerged victorious in the 4th Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Day 5, securing a resounding 184-run victory to lead the five-match series 2-1. Captain Pat Cummins led from the front with an exceptional performance, earning the “Player of the Match” award. The win not only cemented Australia’s position in the series but also bolstered their chances of qualifying for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final.
A Thrilling Finale at MCG
The Test match, which kept fans on the edge of their seats, saw India chasing a challenging target of 340 runs on the final day. However, the Indian batting lineup faltered early in the first session, losing stalwarts Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli in quick succession.
Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant put up a valiant fight, adding 88 crucial runs for the fourth wicket. Jaiswal displayed his talent and resilience, crafting a critical knock under pressure. However, his controversial dismissal in the 71st over tilted the game decisively in Australia’s favor.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Controversial Dismissal
Jaiswal’s wicket has sparked a heated debate in cricketing circles. Pat Cummins’ delivery, which seemed to have passed the bat without any contact, was reviewed after a strong appeal.
The third umpire, Sharfuddaula, initially checked the replay and found no evidence of a nick on the snickometer. However, upon further scrutiny of the ball’s trajectory, the umpire observed a slight deviation and ruled Jaiswal out, overruling the snickometer’s findings.
The decision left the Indian camp stunned, with Jaiswal visibly frustrated as he walked back to the pavilion. This decision has reignited discussions about the accuracy and consistency of DRS (Decision Review System), particularly regarding the reliance on visual evidence over technological tools like the snickometer.
Australia’s Dominance in the Series
After losing the first Test, Australia bounced back with a win in the second match. Rain thwarted their victory chances in the third Test at Brisbane, resulting in a draw. However, this emphatic win at Melbourne has put them in a commanding position ahead of the final Test at Sydney Cricket Ground starting January 3.
WTC Final Scenario
Australia now stands on the brink of qualifying for the WTC 2025 final. A win in the next Test would guarantee their spot. India, meanwhile, remains in contention but their fate hinges on Australia’s two-match Test series against Sri Lanka next month.
Scorecard Overview: Australia vs India, 4th Test
Match Summary:
- Australia: 474 & 234
- India: 369 & 155
- Result: Australia won by 184 runs
Player of the Match: Pat Cummins
