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Australia Takes 2-1 Series Lead as India Falters in MCG Thriller
Australia Takes 2-1 Series Lead as India Falters in MCG Thriller
The third Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) ended in dramatic fashion as Pat Cummins’ men secured a stunning 184-run victory, taking a decisive 2-1 lead in the series. A packed MCG witnessed India crumble in the final session, losing seven wickets for just 34 runs, handing Australia a famous win.
A Packed MCG Witnesses India’s Collapse
More than 66,000 fans filled the iconic MCG to witness a thrilling day of cricket. India began the final day under pressure, needing to bat out the day to secure a draw. However, their hopes of resistance crumbled as Australia’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance in the last session.
Middle Session Defiance Gives Way to Late Collapse
Pant’s Rash Shot Marks Turning Point
India showed promise in the middle session, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant forging a solid partnership. However, Pant’s dismissal after attempting a risky shot off part-timer Travis Head proved costly. His half-hearted pull landed straight into Mitchell Marsh’s hands at long-on, opening the floodgates for Australia.
Quick Strikes Shake India
Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon made quick inroads. Boland’s delivery rose sharply from a length, catching Ravindra Jadeja off-guard, while Lyon sent first-innings centurion Nitish Reddy back to the pavilion for just one. These dismissals left India reeling at 130/6.
Pat Cummins Leads from the Front
Australian captain Pat Cummins returned for another spell and struck a significant blow by dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal. Cummins reviewed a rejected appeal for caught behind, and the third umpire overturned the decision based on a deviation in the ball’s trajectory.
Final Nail in India’s Coffin
The pressure mounted as Australia surrounded the bat with close-in fielders, constantly chirping and attempting to unsettle the Indian tail. Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon cleaned up the lower order, with Bumrah and Siraj falling in quick succession. India was bowled out for 155, well short of the target.
A Series-Defining Victory for Australia
Australia’s victory was built on Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith’s batting heroics in the first innings and disciplined bowling performances throughout the match. Pat Cummins and Scott Boland stood out with their incisive spells in the second innings.
Match Summary
Brief Scores:
- Australia: 474 (Steve Smith 140, Marnus Labuschagne 72; Jasprit Bumrah 4-99) & 234 (Marnus Labuschagne 70; Jasprit Bumrah 5-56, Mohammed Siraj 3-70).
- India: 369 (Nitish Reddy 114, Yashasvi Jaiswal 82, Washington Sundar 50; Scott Boland 3-57, Pat Cummins 3-89, Nathan Lyon 3-96) & 155 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 84; Pat Cummins 3-28, Scott Boland 3-39, Nathan Lyon 2-37).
Australia won by 184 runs and now leads the series 2-1.
Related Content
For more insights on India’s performance, check out India’s Recent Test Match Performances.
Looking Ahead
Australia’s victory puts them in the driver’s seat ahead of the final Test, while India must regroup and aim for a comeback.
For additional details, read Australia vs India Test Series Highlights.
