In a breathtaking conclusion, Australia triumphed over India by 184 runs in the fourth Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), seizing a 2-1 lead in the five-match Border-Gavaskar series.

The final day saw Australia taking seven wickets after tea, as India collapsed from a strong position at 112-3 to be bowled out for just 155 runs. The massive crowd of 74,362 witnessed the thrilling finish, contributing to a record attendance of 373,691 throughout the Test.

Australian captain Pat Cummins delivered a standout performance, taking three wickets on the final day and claiming a total of six for the match, while spinner Nathan Lyon added two wickets. Scott Boland also starred with three dismissals as India faltered dramatically, losing 7 wickets for only 34 runs (BBC, Al Jazeera).

Australia, having set India a target of 340 runs, initially faced a determined Indian batting line-up led by Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant, who had formed a promising 88-run partnership. However, Pant's dismissal for 30 after a reckless shot proved critical. Jaiswal was out for 84, leading to widespread confusion and controversy over a Decision Review System (DRS) call when he was given out caught behind after a review showed a deviation without a clear edge detectable by "Ultra Edge" technology.

After Jaiswal's exit, the Indian batting order crumbled, with Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and a few tail-enders falling swiftly to the Australian bowling attack. The emotional toll was evident as India's captain Rohit Sharma expressed disappointment, acknowledging missed opportunities throughout the match. "If you look at the overall Test match, we had our opportunities, we had our chances," Sharma remarked after the game.

Despite the loss, India still holds a faint hope of reaching the World Test Championship final if they can win the series finale in Sydney, which begins on January 2. Australia, on the other hand, would secure its spot in the decider with a win, demonstrating their dominance on the field with a well-timed and strategic bowling performance.

With excitement building for the final Test, cricket fans are left eagerly awaiting how this gripping series will unfold in Sydney.

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