The fourth Test match between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) ended in heartbreak for Indian fans as Australia secured a resounding 184-run victory. This match highlighted several glaring issues within the Indian camp, ranging from the poor form of senior players to questionable tactical decisions.
Match Summary:
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Australia First Innings: 474 all out
- Steve Smith: 140
- Marnus Labuschagne: 72
- Jasprit Bumrah: 4/99
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India First Innings: 369 all out
- Nitish Kumar Reddy: 114
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: 82
- Scott Boland: 3/57
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Australia Second Innings: 234 all out
- Marnus Labuschagne: 70
- Jasprit Bumrah: 5/57
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India Second Innings: 155 all out
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: 84
- Pat Cummins: 3/28
- Scott Boland: 3/39
Key Reasons for India’s Loss
1. Poor Form of Senior Players
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the pillars of the Indian batting lineup, failed to make meaningful contributions. Rohit managed just 3 runs in the first innings and 13 in the second, while Kohli’s reckless shot on the final day resulted in a disappointing 36 in the first innings and 19 in the second. Their lack of form placed undue pressure on the middle order.
2. Lack of Support for Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah, with nine wickets in the match, was the standout bowler. However, his counterparts, Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep, struggled to maintain pressure, allowing Australia to recover from precarious positions like 90/6 in the second innings.
3. Captaincy Errors by Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma’s captaincy drew heavy criticism. His defensive field placements and inability to capitalize on Australia’s collapses allowed the hosts to post challenging totals. Letting Australia recover from 90/6 to 234 in the second innings proved to be a turning point.
4. Playing One Batsman Short
India’s decision to field an extra bowler backfired, leaving their batting lineup vulnerable. This tactical error became evident as the team crumbled under pressure during the chase.
5. Ravichandran Ashwin’s Sudden Retirement
Ashwin’s unexpected retirement ahead of the match left a void in the bowling attack and lower-order batting. His absence was felt, especially in controlling the Australian middle order.
6. Controversial Dismissals of Yashasvi Jaiswal
Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed under contentious circumstances in both innings. A runout in the first innings and a questionable third-umpire decision in the second disrupted India’s momentum and sparked debates.
7. Reckless Shot Selection
On the final day, irresponsible shots by key players like Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli led to quick dismissals, dashing India’s hopes of salvaging a draw.
Scorecard Highlights
- Steve Smith’s Masterclass: Smith’s 140 was a crucial anchor for Australia in the first innings.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Grit: Despite unlucky dismissals, his scores of 82 and 84 showcased his talent and potential.
- Jasprit Bumrah’s Brilliance: With match figures of 9/156, Bumrah stood tall amidst India’s struggles.
Lessons for India
India’s performance exposed significant vulnerabilities. The lack of depth in the batting order, reliance on a few key players, and questionable captaincy must be addressed ahead of the fifth Test in Sydney. The team needs to regroup, strategize, and focus on leveling the series to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
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