Bumrah's Brilliance and Australia’s Lower Order Resistance Keep MCG Test Finely Poised

Jasprit Bumrah's record-breaking spell and a milestone 200th Test wicket gave India hope on Day 4 of the Boxing Day Test, but Australia's lower-order resilience, led by Marnus Labuschagne and Pat Cummins, ensured the hosts remained in control. Despite Bumrah's 4-56 and Mohammed Siraj's impressive return to form, Australia reached 228/9 at stumps, leading by 333 runs and setting up a thrilling final day. 

Bumrah’s fiery spell dominated the day, with the pacer taking four wickets, including his 200th Test scalp, becoming the fastest Indian pacer to achieve this feat and setting the record for the best average among bowlers with 200 or more wickets in Test cricket. He dismantled Australia's middle order with precision, leaving the hosts reeling at 91 for 6. Siraj also found his rhythm, claiming three vital wickets, including dismissing Marnus Labuschagne for 70 and Usman Khawaja for 21.

However, India’s chances were severely hampered by fielding errors, particularly by Yashasvi Jaiswal, who dropped three key catches, including one off Labuschagne when he was on 46 and another off Pat Cummins before his dismissal. These missed opportunities allowed Australia to recover, with Labuschagne and Cummins putting on a crucial 57-run stand to push the lead past 250.

As India looked to wrap up Australia’s innings, the last-wicket pair of Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland frustrated the visitors with a determined 55-run partnership. Lyon’s 41 not out and Boland’s 10 not out took Australia’s lead to a commanding 333, leaving India with a daunting task ahead on Day 5. Despite Bumrah's brilliance, India’s hopes of a quick end to Australia’s innings faded as the game remained delicately poised.

With all four results still possible, Day 5 promises to be a gripping conclusion to a fast-moving and dramatic Test match at the MCG.

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