Australia Triumphs by 184 Runs, Takes 2-1 Series Lead Over India

Australia defeated India by 184 runs in a dramatic finish to the fourth Test in Melbourne, taking a 2-1 lead in the series. India set a daunting target of 340 in 92 overs, showed little intent to chase and their resistance crumbled in the final session. Australia bowled out India for 155, taking the last seven wickets for just 34 runs. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had been solid in defense was the standout for India, scoring 84 from 208 balls but his dismissal to Pat Cummins with 21 overs remaining marked the turning point.

Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant also showed some resistance with a 30 from 104 balls before falling to Travis Head. The collapse followed as Cummins and Scott Boland both took three wickets and Nathan Lyon added two to Australia’s tally. Earlier, Australia had been bowled out for 234 with Jasprit Bumrah taking 5-57 but it was their bowlers who dominated India’s innings.

Cummins made crucial breakthroughs including dismissing Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul cheaply. After a battling 88-run stand between Pant and Jaiswal, Pant’s dismissal triggered a collapse. India’s lower order crumbled quickly and Australia wrapped up the match with Boland claiming the last two wickets. Australia now leads 2-1 in the series, with the final Test in Sydney starting on January 2.

A win would secure Australia’s place in the World Test Championship final. India’s hopes of reaching the final are still alive but depend on a victory in Sydney and a Sri Lanka series win against Australia. Pat Cummins, named player of the match, hailed the win as one of the best Tests he’d been part of with excellent performances from both batsmen and bowlers while India captain Rohit Sharma rued missed chances.