Experience the excitement of Day 4 of the Boxing Day Test as Bumrah’s magic spell captivates fans and sets the stage for a thrilling cricket showdown.
Introduction:
It was one of the most riveting days of Test cricket that this fourth day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground delivered drama, remarkable performances, and nail-biting tension.
Bumrah’s sensational bowling spell breathed life into India’s chances, but Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland with the lower order of Australia ensured a formidable target of 333 runs to set up a dramatic finale.
Bumrah’s Heroics Turn the Tide
Jasprit Bumrah was nothing short of phenomenal, picking up four wickets and consistently troubling Australia’s batters. His electric spell in the afternoon session tore through Australia’s middle order, claiming the prized wickets of Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Alex Carey in quick succession. Bumrah’s performance underscored his stature as one of cricket’s premier fast bowlers, especially as he reached the milestone of 200 Test wickets.
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The dismissal of Sam Konstas at the start of the day provided the tone of things. Bumrah’s smart seam movement completely bamboozled him, and his fiery reaction in his celebration reflected his fighting spirit. Bumrah had not even managed a fifth wicket when the day-end came with one ball of the final over Nathan Lyon got dropped—a moment that India could really regret in its final push.
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The Australian lower order shows grit.
Australia’s lower-order batsmen delivered a heroic performance which may well seal the outcome. Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland put on an unconsumed 55 that frustrated India, putting the lead over the psychological barrier of 300. Lyon’s unbeaten 25 with 14 runs coming off Bumrah’s last over spoke of determination.
See also: Pat Cummins Shines as Australia Secures Dramatic 184 Run Victory Over India

Earlier in the day, Marnus Labuschagne and Pat Cummins put on a critical 57-run stand that steadied the Australian innings after a middle-order collapse. Labuschagne, who built a gritty 56, survived a dropped catch by Yashasvi Jaiswal—a moment that proved pivotal in extending Australia’s lead. See also: The Paradox of Cricket’s Economy and India’s Exciting T20 Prospects
India’s Bowling Prowess
India’s bowlers were relentless throughout the day, exploiting the seam-friendly conditions to perfection. Mohammed Siraj’s brilliant lbw dismissal of Labuschagne was a highlight, as was his delivery that seamed through Usman Khawaja. Akash Deep also posed significant challenges, though a slightly fuller length might have reaped greater rewards.

The new-ball pair of Bumrah and Siraj ensured Australia’s batters were kept on edge, with 21 misses recorded in an 18-over stretch. Siraj’s dismissal of Steven Smith, who was chasing a wide delivery, marked a key turning point, sparking Australia’s middle-order collapse.

Fielding Lapses Cost India
Fielding lapses proved costly for India on a day when every run mattered. Jaiswal had a day to forget, dropping Labuschagne and Cummins in crucial moments. These missed opportunities allowed Australia to build a lead that now seems insurmountable.
What the Indians lacked in their bowling and fielding, Rishabh Pant made up with his brilliance behind the stumps. His direct hit to dismiss Mitchell Starc was a rare positive added to India’s fielding effort.

Historical Hurdle for India
A chase of 333 runs at the MCG will call for a record-breaking effort from India. The highest successful chase at this iconic venue is England’s 332 for 7 in 1928—a daunting statistic that looms large over India’s prospects. Memories of India’s historic chase at the Gabba in 2021 may provide inspiration, but the enormity of the task cannot be understated.

A Boxing Day Test for the Ages
The Boxing Day Test has already attracted record attendance of 299,329 over the first four days, which reflects the excitement this match has generated. The fifth day promises to be a fitting climax, with both teams having moments to reflect on what could have been. That said, while entering as favorites, cricket would never allow its devotees to take anything for granted.
Conclusion
Jasprit Bumrah’s spell of excellence and the fightback from Australia’s lower order has set up a thrilling last day at the MCG. For India, history awaits, but they will require every bit of grit and determination to pull off the impossible. As cricketing fans around the world watch, this match reminds us why Test cricket remains the ultimate test of skill, patience, and character.