Boxing Day Melbourne Test Day 4:
India knocks out Australia in Boxing
Day Test
Unbelievable comeback, by Team India
What an incredible turnaround by
Ajinkya Rahane led Team India, touring Australia. In just 10 days to comeback
from lowest ever total of 36 to match winning 326,in turn winning the test
match on fourth day by 8 wickets.. That too without their main batsman and
Captain Virat Kohli. Plus in the absence of key test match players Ishant
Sharma, Rohit Sharma and Mohammed Shami. Umesh Yadav also had to leave the
field after just 3.3 overs in the last innings, still Indian bowlers managed to
restrict Australia on 200. Captain led from the front with century in first
innings and stayed to score winning runs.
On fourth day morning, Australia was just 2
runs ahead, but last 4 wickets, fought lost battle for two and half hours and
stretched the lead to 69. It was only in his second over of the second new ball
Bumrah removed Pat Cummins with well directed bouncer, in 17th over
of the morning. After 57 runs partnership. 156/7. Then debutant Siraj got Green
mistiming pull, at short mid-wicket. Budding allrounder was highest scorer with
45. 177/8.Then again Siraj and Ashwin with last wicket, bowled hosts for 200, after
extended 1st session, with lowest ever run rate, since 1990, last 30
years.
India faltered at start while chasing, 70 to win. Mayank once more removed by Starc 16/1 and Pujara chased one, bit wide outside the off stump from Cummins. 19/2. For few moments Indian supporters became bit tense, as the 36 memory is still quite fresh. But Captain Ajinkya Rahane started very confidently with pull to the boundary; debutant Shubman Gill was executing his natural stroke play with quite ease. In the sixteenth over captain Ajinkya Rahane scored the winning single leveling the series 1-1. Melbourne thus became the most successful hunting ground, overseas with 4 test wins so far. Both debutants Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj excelled beyond expectations. Ravindra Jadeja certainly stamped his claim for the allrounder slot, of no.7. Pant in spite under pressure changed momentum of the innings, with his natural attacking flair, but needs to improve lot with his wicket keeping skills, especially against spinners. Rohit Sharma now due for comeback Vihari or Mayank likely to lose place in playing 11.With such a historic comeback series is now live at 1-1 , with 2 more to go. So with a pleasing end to the miserable 2020, all are looking forward to the fine start for 2021. So the next match is on 7th January - somewhere in Australia. Yes it is still `somewhere`, as danger of epidemic outbreak is looming large over Sidney. Let`s hope Team India continues the winning momentum by ``Ajinkya` Rahane`` way.
India dominated and won most of the sessions.
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