AUS vs IND: 4th Test, Day 4, Talking Points – Lyon, Boland toil hard to extend the lead over 300
The first couple of sessions on Day 4 were satisfying for team India as the visitors dominated with the ball. Jasprit Bumrah paved the way while Mohammed Siraj, who was not handed the new ball, was motivated and picked up key wickets of Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steven Smith. Bumrah, on the other hand, cleaned up the middle order as Australia were on their back foot but their tail suffocated India, and in the end, that might make a difference on Day 5 of the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Here are the talking points from Day 4:
4. Jaiswal’s slippery hands
Yashasvi Jaiswal dropped three catches on Day 4 of the Test. At first, he dropped a dolly of Usman Khawaja. Later, he could not grab a regulation slip catch of Marnus Labuschagne when he was on 46 and then dropped Pat Cummins on 21 at a silly point. India captain Rohit Sharma was visibly frustrated with Jaiswal’s efforts; two of the three were regulation catches. The youngster had a horrid time on the field and it could hurt the visitors in the game.
3. Marnus grits it out
Some may say Marnus Labuschagne was lucky but it was a case of immense patience and application. After being given a life on 46, he scored 70 invaluable and was involved in a critical partnership with captain Cummins. When all the batters struggled to get going, Labuschagne played well and took advantage of the missed chances.
2. Jasprit Bumrah all the way
Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah once again had a phenomenal day. He clinched four crucial wickets and became the fourth-fastest cricketer to clinch 200 Test wickets. The cricketer led by example but won’t be too impressed as Australia managed a healthy lead to put India under pressure at MCG.
1. Tailenders hurt India
Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon combined played over 100 balls and took the momentum away from India. Earlier Cummins batted brilliantly, scoring 41 runs off 90 deliveries. Boland and Lyon punished the Indian bowlers, who looked lackluster. With that, India will have a mountain to climb on Day 5 to get a result and challenge for a spot in the WTC final.
