India’s Collapse After Tea Hands Australia a Memorable Win
India seemed in control until tea on the final day, chasing a daunting target of 340 runs. At 112 for 3, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant crafting a determined 79-run partnership, India looked set to at least salvage a draw. However, post-tea, the narrative dramatically shifted as Australia snatched victory with a stunning bowling performance.
Captain Pat Cummins’ decision to introduce part-time spinner Travis Head proved pivotal. In the fifth over of the final session, Pant fell while attempting an ambitious slog off Head’s short ball outside off-stump. His 30-run knock off 104 balls ended the 88-run partnership, opening the floodgates for Australia.
India crumbled from 121 for 3 to a shocking 155 all out, losing their last 7 wickets for just 34 runs. Cummins’ side wrapped up the innings in style, securing a commanding 184-run victory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. With this win, Australia now leads the Border-Gavaskar series 2-1 heading into the final Test in Sydney, starting January 3.
Turning Point:
Pant’s dismissal sparked a collapse, with India losing two more wickets within three overs. Despite Jaiswal’s composed 84 off 208 balls, a controversial third-umpire decision sent him packing. Bangladeshi umpire Sharfuddoula overturned the on-field call, adjudging Jaiswal caught behind off Cummins. Though technology didn’t clearly show contact with bat or glove, close-up footage suggested a faint deflection, leaving Jaiswal visibly frustrated.
Australia’s Bowling Brilliance:
Cummins and Scott Boland both bagged three wickets each, while Nathan Lyon and Travis Head applied relentless pressure. Cummins reflected on the win, saying, “It was an incredible match. One of the best I’ve been part of.” Boland’s sharp deliveries, supported by exceptional fielding, ensured India had no way back.
India’s Struggles:
Starting the day at 228 for 9 in their second innings, Australia added just six more runs. Jasprit Bumrah’s five-wicket haul gave India a glimmer of hope. But the chase began poorly, with openers Rohit Sharma (9 off 40) and KL Rahul (0) falling early to Cummins. Virat Kohli was dismissed by Mitchell Starc after scoring just 5.
While Jaiswal and Pant tried to rebuild, the final session unraveled spectacularly. Pat Cummins’ sharp bouncers and Scott Boland’s precise line-and-length were too much for the Indian lower order to handle.
Match Summary:
Australia: 474 & 234 (Labuschagne 70, Cummins 41, Lyon 41; Bumrah 5/57, Siraj 3/70)
India: 369 & 155 (Jaiswal 84, Pant 30; Cummins 3/28, Boland 3/39, Lyon 2/37)
Result: Australia won by 184 runs.
Player of the Match: Pat Cummins.
Series: Australia leads 2-1 in the five-match series.
