We thought the Aussies were so doomed following their okay start when our top and middle order cards may have been collapsed during the fourth day’s play today but at least they’ve hung in there through the end at around 6pm AEDT with thanks to Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland even though they only have a wicket remaining against them. Now they are in a good position to not just lock in this 4th Test, the Aussies can also keep their series hopes alive going into the 5th and final test in Sydney 2-1 starting Friday.
As said, it was lovely to see Lyon scoring runs wherever possible by filling in the gaps with Boland backing him up while Captain courageous Pat Cummins scored another 40-odd run haul in his 2nd shift – all coming from the tail end sans Marnus Labuschagne who scored not bad at 3.
Other than that, things are still left to be desired where they could’ve done any better. Yes, felt sorry for 19-year-old Sam Konstas but he needs to be more like a proper Test batsman and not just swashbuckling shots downtown all day off the back of his debut 50 back in Day 1, particularly when playing against the red Kookaburra ball. What disappoints me the most though is fast bowling all-rounder Mitchell Marsh who keeps on failing to justify his spot in the team both bat and ball apart from his brilliant catches on the field – about time we bring Beau Webster in & it needs to happen now, that’s all!!
What else? India also continued to enjoy a solid day until Lyon & Boland saved the day for the Aussies this afternoon with Jasprit Bumrah leading the way in the fast bowling department alongside Mohammed Siraj, although he wouldn’t be impressed after giving away a few no balls whilst being tired trying to finish off Australia’s 2nd innings total right there – so frustrating isn’t it.
Who knows if Bumrah will be getting his next 5fer tomorrow despite his expansive afternoon v Lyon & Boland today but I guess the Aussies would want to declare a bit later if Lyon gets his 50 as soon as we’re back to finish things off tomorrow morning.
As it stands, Australia are currently 228/9 with a 333 run lead – so whichever score they end up either way through the last wicket fall or a declaration if Lyon gets his 50, India would have to chase that total to both win this one as well as this series.
Then it’s up to our bowlers to get this done quick smart including India’s lower order who can be ruthless as if all of their batters are more than capable at scoring runs than everyone else but so can the Aussies as proved this afternoon. They have one job to get this done by the end of tomorrow at 6pm and that is to win this match on what has been a top-notch four days between the two teams at the MCG!
