Australia displayed a phenomenal performance, taking seven wickets in the final session on day five to secure a 184-run victory over India in the Boxing Day test. With this win, Australia now leads the series 2-1 heading into the final match in Sydney.
India seemed to be in control thanks to the partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant during the middle session. However, they faltered in front of a massive crowd of 74,362 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, eventually being bowled out for 155 on Monday.
Captain Pat Cummins and pacer Scott Boland each claimed three wickets, while spinner Nathan Lyon contributed with two crucial wickets on a dramatic final day marred by controversy surrounding the Decision Review System (DRS).
“Fantastic way to finish the week. I think it’s been five days of fantastic cricket,” expressed Australia’s Mitchell Starc. “There was always belief in the group. I think this has been a feature of this group for a number of years – this calmness and just go with the flow and adapt to what’s thrown at us.”
When play resumed after lunch, India was 112 for three, with Jaiswal and Pant looking solid. However, Pant’s dismissal for 30 triggered a collapse after he mistimed a shot off part-time spinner Travis Head.
Boland’s fiery spell saw the wickets of Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy, with Steve Smith taking a spectacular catch at slip. Controversy arose when Jaiswal was given out caught-behind, leading to a contentious DRS decision that ultimately went in Australia’s favor.
As the tailenders struggled, Australia eventually sealed the win, with Lyon dismissing Mohammed Siraj to wrap up the game.
“It’s pretty disappointing,” lamented India captain Rohit Sharma. “It’s not that we went with the intent of not putting up a fight. We wanted to fight till the end but unfortunately, couldn’t do it.”
The match saw ups and downs, with Cummins and Starc making crucial breakthroughs, while Bumrah impressed with his bowling performance for India.
Overall, the day witnessed a thrilling contest between the two teams in front of a record-breaking crowd, setting the stage for an exciting final match in Sydney.
