 "IND vs AUS 4th Test: Will India draw the Boxing Day Test in MCG today?")
The India vs Australia Boxing Day Test appeared to be heading for a dull draw before Travis Head got the wicket of Rishabh Pant at Melbourne Cricket Ground in the final session on Day 5. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant steer India's second innings with full control as India didn't lost a single wicket in the post-lunch session. However, Pant's wicket led to two more- Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy. How Jaiswal-Pant did the job in the second session on Day 5?
These two batters have weathered the storm for over 20 overs, forming a partnership far more proactive than what came before. Yet, the air of intent is conspicuously absent—it seems India has resigned itself to a draw.
The game has reached the 45-over mark, a point where batting typically becomes significantly easier. Yet, the duo remains subdued, collecting only occasional boundaries rather than accelerating.
Pant, known for his aggression, has faced over 60 balls, but his strike rate languishes below 30—an unusual sight in a match craving a decisive twist. Check India vs Australia 4th Test Day 5 LIVE SCORE, MATCH UPDATES AND FULL SCORECARD HERE
Can it still be said a clever decision by Pat Cummins After wicket-less session on Day 5, the question arises whether Australia captain Pat Cummins made the right call by not declaring on the evening of Day 4, giving India a target they could chase.
Top-order fails once again at MCG
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Skipper Rohit Sharma's ultra-defensive approach and Virat Kohli's ongoing struggles outside the off-stump left India reeling at 33 for 3 by lunch after Australia set a challenging 340-run target on Day Five.
Rohit (9 off 40 balls) did all the hard work during the first hour before opposition skipper Pat Cummins (2/10) dismissed him for the tenth time in Test matches.
Kohli (5 off 29) could not resist the urge to play the cover drive once again and was caught at first slip after Mitchell Starc angled one across him.
KL Rahul fell without troubling the scorers, dismissed by a second good ball in the game. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who didn't look convincing, survived 83 deliveries to score 14 before lunch. Check latest news on Champions Trophy 2025 here
The Indian team’s approach reflected its mindset, as any slim chance of victory evaporated in the morning session.
Shortly after play began on Day Five, Jasprit Bumrah completed his 13th five-wicket haul in Test cricket as Australia were bowled out for 234 in their second innings.
One might have expected Rohit to play his natural aggressive game at the top of the order. However, amid a lean run, he adopted a safety-first approach that did not work.
At the other end, even Jaiswal curbed his natural instincts.
Cummins then produced another delivery with late away movement to dismiss Rahul.