Marnus Labuschagne’s vital half-century and a resilient tail put Australia 333 runs ahead on day four, leaving India a monumental chase in the fourth Test

Marnus Labuschagne’s resolute half-century and a stubborn tail-end stand have propelled Australia to a commanding 333-run lead against India at the close of day four in the fourth Test at Melbourne’s MCG. India now faces an almost insurmountable task as they look to achieve a record-breaking chase for victory.

At stumps, Australia were on 228-9, with Nathan Lyon (41*) and Scott Boland (10*) having added 55 unbeaten runs for the final wicket. The pair left the field to a rousing ovation, leaving the tourists with little hope of mounting a comeback. The hosts now hold a commanding position heading into the final day, with India needing to chase down more than 300 to win the match and the series.

India’s hopes of victory were briefly revived by Jasprit Bumrah’s brilliant three-wicket burst before tea, which helped reduce Australia to 91-6. However, Labuschagne’s defiant 70 and Pat Cummins’ crucial 41 provided the necessary stability to thwart India’s momentum. The pair combined for a vital 57-run partnership, setting the platform for the tail to frustrate India further.

Despite the best efforts of Bumrah, who was instrumental in Australia’s mid-order collapse, the tail proved to be a stubborn resistance. Lyon and Boland frustrated the Indian bowlers as the day wound down, securing vital runs to extend Australia’s lead. Lyon’s composed batting, alongside Boland’s defiance, frustrated the visitors in the final hour, with the pair adding a crucial 55 runs for the last wicket.

The day had started on a sour note for India when Bumrah, after removing Lyon in the final over, was thwarted by a no-ball call that denied him a wicket. This error proved to be symbolic of the frustrations India has faced in the match, with dropped catches and missed opportunities adding to their woes. Yashasvi Jaiswal missed two chances to dismiss Labuschagne, and Nitish Kumar Reddy misjudged a catch to remove Cummins, giving the Australian captain a reprieve.

India’s middle-order had also faltered earlier in the match. After Australia had been in a solid position at 80-2, a sudden collapse left the hosts in a precarious position at 91-6. Bumrah led the charge, claiming the wickets of Steve Smith (13), Travis Head (1), Mitchell Marsh (duck), and Alex Carey (2), leaving Australia wobbling. It was left to Cummins and Labuschagne to steady the ship, with the pair battling the Indian bowlers in a gritty partnership.

Despite the setbacks, Cummins’ 41 runs and Labuschagne’s 70 were crucial, allowing the tail to contribute further to Australia’s lead. India will have to overcome a significant challenge to chase down the target, with the pitch likely to provide assistance to Australia’s bowlers on the final day.

The five-match series is now level at 1-1, with the fifth and final Test set to take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground, starting on January 3. India’s hopes of winning the series now hinge on an unlikely chase, while Australia will be determined to take a decisive lead going into the final match of the summer.