Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj Spark Hope with Key Wickets  - Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj delivered crucial breakthroughs for India on Day 4 of the ongoing fourth Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Before the lunch break, Australia stood at 53 for 2, leading by 158 runs. Marnus Labuschagne, unbeaten on 20, and Steve Smith, not out on 2, remained at the crease, keeping the game delicately balanced.

India’s First Innings Recovery Led by Nitish Kumar Reddy

India’s first innings concluded at 369, with Nitish Kumar Reddy shining as the backbone of their innings. His gritty 114 came at a critical juncture, helping India recover after resuming the day at 358 for 9. Reddy’s resilient century, supported by lower-order contributions, narrowed Australia’s first-innings lead to a manageable 116 runs, keeping India firmly in the contest.

Reddy’s brilliant knock, crafted off 171 balls with 11 boundaries and a six, came in front of a packed crowd in Melbourne, including his family. His emotional departure from the field was met with applause from spectators, acknowledging his extraordinary effort in a high-pressure situation.

Bumrah’s Revenge on Konstas

Jasprit Bumrah struck early, dismissing Australian debutant Sam Konstas for just 8 runs. The dismissal was particularly satisfying for Bumrah, who had faced an aggressive onslaught from Konstas during his 60-run knock in the first innings. A well-directed delivery nipped back off the seam to rattle Konstas’ stumps, and Bumrah celebrated with a charged gesture, drawing mixed reactions from the crowd.

Siraj Shines with Early Strikes

Mohammed Siraj continued India’s momentum by removing Usman Khawaja for 21. A superb delivery pierced through bat and pad, clean bowling Khawaja. Siraj celebrated with a “shhh” gesture directed at the vocal crowd, adding a fiery edge to the proceedings.

Siraj’s breakthrough was especially valuable after a missed opportunity earlier in the innings. Yashasvi Jaiswal had dropped Khawaja at leg gully when the batter was on just 2 runs, a moment that visibly frustrated Bumrah.

Lower-Order Partnerships Propel India

India’s fightback was built on Reddy’s partnerships with Washington Sundar and the tailenders. These crucial stands reduced Australia’s commanding first-innings lead of 311 to 116, setting the stage for an intense battle. Nathan Lyon eventually ended Reddy’s innings, with Mitchell Starc taking a sharp catch in the deep.

Controversy Adds Drama

The match saw a moment of controversy during the morning session. Pat Cummins’ appeal for a low catch off Mohammed Siraj’s bat was turned down by the third umpire, who ruled the ball had not carried to Steve Smith. The decision left Cummins visibly frustrated.

A Nail-Biting Finish in Sight

As Australia begins the second session with a lead of 158, the Test remains finely poised. India’s hopes rest on their bowlers maintaining pressure and their batsmen stepping up in the fourth innings. With Bumrah and Siraj leading the charge and Reddy’s inspiring century setting the tone, the final day at the MCG promises a thrilling conclusion to this hard-fought series.