IND VS AUS LIVE: Jaiswal’s Brilliant Fifty Keeps India in the Hunt as Rohit and Kohli Falter
The fourth Test between India and Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 has delivered another day of thrilling cricket. On the final day of the match, India finds itself chasing a daunting target of 340 runs set by Australia. As the game hangs in the balance, young Yashasvi Jaiswal has emerged as a beacon of hope with a resilient half-century, while seasoned campaigners Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli fell cheaply, leaving the team under pressure.
A Steady Yet Challenging Chase
India’s pursuit of the 340-run target started cautiously, with openers Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal opting for a defensive approach against a fiery Australian bowling attack. However, the slow start cost India, as they managed only 25 runs in the first 16 overs. Rohit, trying to break the shackles, lost his wicket for a mere 9 runs, caught in the gully off Pat Cummins. His dismissal was quickly followed by KL Rahul’s departure, who failed to score, edging to Usman Khawaja at first slip.
Virat Kohli, India’s linchpin in run chases, could not rescue the innings this time. Falling to Mitchell Starc for 5, Kohli’s weakness outside the off-stump was once again exposed. With India reeling at 33/3, the pressure was on the young shoulders of Jaiswal and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant to steady the ship.
Jaiswal and Pant Forge a Crucial Partnership
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s innings was a masterclass in patience and determination. Facing 127 deliveries to reach his half-century, Jaiswal struck seven exquisite boundaries. This knock marked the slowest fifty of his Test career but proved to be a testament to his maturity and adaptability. Partnering with Pant, Jaiswal added over 60 runs to the scoreboard, providing India with a glimmer of hope.
Rishabh Pant, known for his flamboyant style, displayed uncharacteristic restraint. While his partnership with Jaiswal is yet to reach its peak, their ability to rotate the strike and fend off the Australian attack has been vital in keeping India in the contest.
India’s Bowling Brilliance
India’s bowlers, led by the ever-reliable Jasprit Bumrah, were instrumental in restricting Australia’s second innings to 234 runs. Bumrah’s fiery spells saw him claim a five-wicket haul, bringing his Test tally to 200 wickets. His scalps included key players like Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh, who were dismissed in a single over, further consolidating his reputation as a game-changer.
Mohammed Siraj also played a pivotal role, dismissing Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith with impeccable deliveries. Together, Bumrah and Siraj’s relentless attack ensured that Australia couldn’t capitalize on their first-innings lead.
Australian Resistance
Despite losing early wickets, Australia found a savior in Marnus Labuschagne. His gritty 70 off 139 balls, featuring three boundaries, held the innings together. Alongside captain Pat Cummins, Labuschagne added a vital 57 runs for the seventh wicket, frustrating the Indian bowlers. However, once Labuschagne was dismissed by Siraj, Australia’s tailenders couldn’t withstand the pressure, and their innings folded for 234.
Fall of Indian Wickets
The fragility of India’s top order was once again on display:
- 1-25 (Rohit Sharma, 16.5 overs): Attempted an aggressive shot but was caught in the gully by Mitchell Marsh off Pat Cummins.
- 2-25 (KL Rahul, 16.6 overs): Edged to first slip, giving Cummins his second wicket in four balls.
- 3-33 (Virat Kohli, 26.1 overs): Caught behind off a Mitchell Starc delivery that tempted him outside the off-stump.
Key Moments of the Match
- Jasprit Bumrah’s Five-Wicket Haul: A spellbinding performance, including the dismissals of Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh in a single over.
- Labuschagne’s Resistance: His calculated innings ensured Australia set a competitive target.
- Jaiswal’s Resilience: His slow yet effective half-century kept India’s hopes alive.
- Rishabh Pant’s Composure: Providing stability and backing Jaiswal in the critical partnership.
What Lies Ahead
With 92 overs to chase down the remaining runs, India’s fate depends on the middle and lower order. The challenge lies in countering Australia’s disciplined bowling attack, led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. Jaiswal and Pant must continue their partnership while ensuring that the required run rate doesn’t spiral out of control.
Conclusion
The IND vs. AUS fourth Test has been a rollercoaster ride, with both teams showcasing their strengths. As India inches closer to the target, the outcome remains uncertain. Will Jaiswal’s heroics lead India to a historic victory, or will Australia’s bowlers seal the series? Fans worldwide eagerly await the final chapter of this enthralling contest.
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