Match 4 Report: BGT 2024-25

The defeat at MCG is something that Indian Cricket Team’s fans are not going to forget for years. It was a match full of drama that ultimately ended with Australia’s win in the last session of the last day. For a brief period of time, hopes were lighted as everyone thought that India could manage a draw but careless batting by plenty of players dimmed the scope. 

Australia won the toss and they elected to bat for reasons quite obvious. Their strategy to score massive runs and press Indians against the wall worked as they scored 474 runs with Steve Smith being the highest scorer (140 off 197) followed by Marcus Labuschagne (72 off 145). As usual, Jasprit Bumrah was the anchor of India’s bowling department as he took 4 crucial wickets. 

To chase this mammoth target, some character was displayed by Yashasvi Jaiswal as he was the only batsman to score in top and middle order. Later, when the hopes were dimmed, the partnership between Nitish Reddy and Washington Sundar did magic. The former scored his maiden test century and the latter scored a decent half century. They were the pillars of the first innings as their contributions brought India into the game. However, the visitors were still behind by 105 runs. 

In the second innings, wickets fell in quick succession and we saw the home team struggling. But, the tail-enders did a commendable job as they dragged the final to 234. Cameos by Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon (both scored 41 runs) were vital for their team. Again, it was Jasprit Bumrah who led the bowling department as he took a fifer. 

By the time men in blue got the opportunity to bat again, it was day 5. It clearly meant that either Indians had to play really aggressive or just defend the game and go for a draw and obviously they chose the wiser option- to defend and waste time. 

Yashasvi Jaiswal stayed solid from one end but Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul departed cheaply from the other end. Just when things were getting out of control, Rishabh Pant managed to build a partnership with the young opener. They both dragged the game till tea and things looked in control. The real drama started after tea when Travis Head dismissed Rishabh Pant, and that one wicket ultimately collapsed the entire batting line up. Australian pulled off a rabbit as they themselves weren’t expecting such poor performance by their opponents. 

Now, after the end of this match, the series is at 2-1 with Australians at lead. The next match of Border Gavaskar Trophy is scheduled on 3rd January, 2025 at Sydney Cricket Ground. Let’s see if team India can retain the trophy or if Australians whitewash the visitors.