The fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia is being played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). By the end of the fourth day’s play, Australia had scored 228 runs for 9 wickets in their second innings, taking their total lead to 333 runs. At the time of stumps, Nathan Lyon (41*) and Scott Boland (10*) were at the crease.
The Rohit Sharma-led Indian team will try to wrap up the Australian innings quickly on the fifth and last day on Monday. After this, India will have to chase the target, but a target of more than 300 can prove to be a big challenge for the Indian team.
match status so far
- Australia’s first innings: 474 runs.
- India’s first innings: 369 runs.
- Australia got a lead of 105 runs in the first innings.
- Australia’s second innings: Score on the fourth day 228/9, total lead 333 runs.
300+ targets for India: Challenge of history
Rohit Sharma’s brigade faces a tough target of chasing 300-plus runs in Melbourne.
- India’s 300+ run chase record:
- Defeated 48 times.
- Matches drawn 32 times.
- Tie 1 time.
- Successfully chased the target of more than 300 only 3 times.
- Achievements of India on foreign soil:
- In 2021, India registered a historic win against Australia by chasing 328 runs in Brisbane.
- Apart from this, India has chased 300+ runs abroad once more.
History of run chase in MCG
Successful chases of 300+ runs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground are very rare.
- Highest run chase record:
- England had won here in 1928 by scoring 332 runs for 7 wickets.
- This record has remained intact for the last 96 years.
- India’s highest run chase:
- In December 2020, India recorded its highest run chase at the MCG by winning the match at 70/3.
- India’s record in Australia:
- India has achieved the target of 200+ runs only twice.
India’s path is difficult on the fifth day
After the fourth day of play, the Indian team is in danger of defeat.
- Final Day Strategy:
- Indian bowlers will have to quickly take the last wicket of Australia.
- After this the batsmen will have to take the field with the intention of creating history.
- Series Status:
- The five-match series is currently tied at 1-1.
- The third test was a draw.
Will India be able to create history in Melbourne?
If India chases the target of 333 runs in Melbourne, it will be a huge achievement not only on this ground but in the history of Test cricket. However, the road will not be easy for the Rohit brigade considering the Australian bowling attack and the challenging track of the MCG.
The fifth day’s play is going to be full of thrill and expectations for Indian cricket fans.
