NEW DELHI: Jasprit Bumrah's fiery spell and a record-breaking milestone gave India hope on Day 4 of the Boxing Day Test, but Australia's lower-order resistance ensured they remained in control. Despite Bumrah's 4-56 and Mohammed Siraj's resurgence, Australia reached 228/9 at stumps, leading by 333 runs, setting up a thrilling final day.
Scorecard: India vs Australia, 4th Test
Bumrah sliced through Australia's middle order, claiming his 200th Test wicket and becoming the bowler with the best average in Test history for those with 200 or more wickets. However, his efforts were countered by Marnus Labuschagne's gritty 70 and Pat Cummins' vital 41, along with a frustrating last-wicket stand of 55 between Nathan Lyon (41 not out) and Scott Boland (10 not out).
Yashasvi Jaiswal had a challenging day, dropping three crucial catches, including Labuschagne on 46 and Cummins before his dismissal. These misses proved costly as Australia extended their lead on a pitch showing variable bounce.
With all four results still possible, here's how Day 4 unfolded:
Bumrah's record-breaking show: A historic milestone
Jasprit Bumrah was once again the standout bowler for India, claiming his 200th Test wicket and solidifying his place in history. With the dismissal of Travis Head, Bumrah reached the remarkable milestone in just his 44th Test, making him the fastest Indian pacer to achieve this feat. Bumrah also set a new record for the best average among bowlers with 200 or more Test wickets, surpassing the legendary Joel Garner. He finished the day with 4-56, taking his tally for the series to 29 wickets and becoming India's most successful pacer in a Test series on Australian soil.
Siraj back among wickets as India fight back
After a wicketless first innings, Mohammed Siraj returned to form, taking key wickets in Australia's second innings. Siraj was the first change bowler, coming in after Akash Deep and Bumrah. Siraj quickly removed Usman Khawaja for 21, and then bowled brilliantly to dismiss Steve Smith. With the assistance of Virat Kohli, who advised Siraj to bowl wide of the crease, the pacer outfoxed Smith with a wide half-volley that the Aussie batter edged to Rishabh Pant. Siraj finished the day with impressive figures of 3-66, including the vital wicket of Marnus Labuschagne (70).
Jaiswal's drop catches add pressure on India's chances
Yashasvi Jaiswal endured a tough day in the field, dropping three critical catches. The first came early in the day when he dropped Usman Khawaja at leg gully. His next miscue was a relatively easy chance off Labuschagne's bat at gully when he was on 46. Jaiswal's third drop came just before tea when he let go of Cummins. The frustration was palpable in the Indian camp, with captain Rohit Sharma visibly upset. The missed chances allowed Australia to build a bigger lead, making India's task tougher.
Labuschagne and Cummins stand gives Australia vital respite
After India's early breakthroughs, Labuschagne and captain Cummins combined for a vital partnership of 57 runs. This stand brought some stability to Australia's innings, allowing them to recover from 91-6 to 148-7. Labuschagne, who top-scored with 70, and Cummins, with 41, frustrated India's bowlers and pushed the Australian lead past 250 runs, a vital cushion for the home team heading into the final session.
Last-wicket stand frustrates India as Australia extend lead to 333
Despite India's best efforts to wrap up Australia's innings, Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland had other plans. Their unbroken 55-run partnership frustrated the Indian bowlers, with Lyon making 41 off 54 balls. This stand took Australia's lead to a formidable 333 runs, leaving India with a daunting task ahead on Day 5. With the last-wicket pair showing resilience, India's hopes of a quick end to Australia's innings faded, and the game remained delicately poised heading into the final day.
