Australia secures win in fourth test against India

Australia faced India in the fourth Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, winning by 184 runs on January 2, 2025. Coming off a loss in the previous Test, the Australian team was under pressure but managed to secure a crucial victory, taking a 2-1 lead in the series. The day started with Australia resuming their second innings, setting a target for India, who struggled with their batting as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Key performances were delivered by Pat Cummins and Scott Boland, both taking three wickets each, while Nathan Lyon contributed significantly with his bowling. As India began their chase, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant initially built a partnership, bringing some hope to the visitors. However, a sudden collapse after tea saw India lose seven wickets for just 34 runs, leading to their eventual all-out total of 155. The match attracted a significant crowd, showcasing the high-stakes nature of the contest as both teams fought for dominance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Australia needed this win to regain the trophy they last held during the 2014-15 series. In terms of team composition, Australia made noteworthy changes prior to the match. Mitch Marsh was dropped to give Beau Webster a chance to debut, reflecting a strategic shift as the team dealt with performance issues. This decision paid off, as the team was able to mobilize dynamic bowling strategies that effectively dismantled the Indian batting lineup. Notably, star fast bowler Mitchell Starc was able to play despite dealing with rib soreness, affirming the team's reliance on his experience and skill in critical matches. India's captain Rohit Sharma expressed disappointment over the outcome, emphasizing that their performance lacked conversion of opportunities they had during the match. The use of the Decision Review System (DRS) also added an element of controversy, as several dismissals faced scrutiny, fueling debate among players and fans alike. As Australia geared up for the final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, they found themselves not only leading the series but also in a strategic position to clinch their spot in the upcoming World Test Championship final. This victory, melding both tactical prowess and individual brilliance, sets the stage for a gripping finale to the series.