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After an impressive fightback from India in their first innings on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), courtesy maiden Test century from Nitish Kumar Reddy and half-century knocks from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Washington Sundar, the visitors succumbed to a 184-run defeat. Despite Jasprit Bumrah standing up once again for the Men in Blue, leading the bowling attack with a five-wicket haul, Rohit Sharma and men failed to chase the mammoth target of 340 runs.
Except for Yashasvi Jaiswal (84 off 208) and Rishabh Pant (30 off 104), none of the Indian batters breached the double-digit mark, getting bundled out at the score of 155 in 79.1 overs. However, the top order collapsed with Rohit Sharma (9 off 40), KL Rahul (0 off 5) and Virat Kohli (5 off 29) departing in quick succession, Jaiswal and Pant’s partnership gave a ray of hope for India’s revival.
India eye for a big win in Sydney Test against Australia
But seven wickets going in the final session of the fourth BGT Test and only 43 runs coming from the Indian lineup, there were just signs of worry mounting. With a comprehensive win in the Melbourne Test, Australia improved their chances of a World Test Championship Final appearance.
From here on, the hosts need just one win to making it to the Lord’s next year. But the scenario for the Men in Blue is just getting tougher with every defeat or draw that is coming their way. But like there is always a bright spot, India are still alive with a chance, hoping for a favourable result in the final Test of the five-match BGT series.
With one Test remaining in their WTC 2023-25 calendar, India must win the final Test against Australia and then hope for a positive result in favour of Sri Lanka (or 0-0 draw) when Pat Cummins-led side tour the island nation early next year. With a win in Sydney Test, India will not only draw the BGT series 2-2, but also reach best possible finish of 55.26 per cent.
