AUS vs IND 4th Test Results

7:10 AM IST Pat Cummins the skipper of Australia is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH and receives the Johnny Mullagh medal as well for his brilliant all-round performance. He says that it was an amazing Test match and probably the best one has ever played so far. Also mentions that the crowd was amazing as well. Mentions that Marnus Labuschagne helped him out in the second innings big time and he is also happy to contribute with the bat. On Steven Smith, he says that it wasn't easy on the first day and to get above 400 was just terrific and that Smith's century really propelled them to that big score. On being asked about not declaring on the fourth day itself, Cummins reckons that they wanted to take an India victory out of the equation and that they had plenty of runs to play with. Adds that they put in a lot of hard work into their lower order batting and also worked a lot on how best to bowl to the opposition batters. Mentions that they were a bit behind the over-rate so had to bowl Travis Head. Again appreciates Smith and says that he showed how to bat on a wicket like this and was also brilliant in the field with some handy catches. Ends by saying that it is a happy dressing room and will savor this win before heading to Sydney.

7:09 AM IST So what does this mean from the World Test Championship’s perspective? India's chances have gotten thinner with this heavy defeat and now, even if they win the last Test in this WTC cycle, they will have to depend on a lot of permutations and combinations of results. For Australia, it is simple - win Sydney and they qualify for the finale easily. And in another scenario, if Australia were to lose or draw one against India, they would need at least one win in Sri Lanka to stay ahead in the race.

7:08 AM IST A gritty partnership then followed between Jaiswal and Pant initially steadied India's ship, with Jaiswal notching up another fifty while Pant shelved his usual fireworks for measured restraint. But just when stability seemed achieved, Pant's moment of an impetuous aerial pull triggered an avalanche. Australia pounced on the opening, and India crumbled spectacularly from 121/3 to 140/7, with Jaiswal too, falling to a leg-side strangle eventually. Boland and Lyon then made short work of the tail, as Australia ruthlessly closed out the game, winning this by 184 runs.

7:05 AM IST India's reply began poorly with Rohit Sharma's continued poor form, but Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli rebuilt with an impressive 102-run stand. Both batters looked in control, with Jaiswal playing textbook cricket and Kohli producing his trademark elegant strokes. However, the momentum shifted dramatically after Jaiswal's run-out, followed quickly by Kohli's departure. This triggered a collapse as India slumped from 153/2 to 191/6. While Cummins produced a spectacular delivery to dismiss Rahul, India's downfall was largely self-inflicted, particularly evident in Pant's poor shot selection on a still-batting-friendly surface.

6:59 AM IST Well then, this brings curtains on the Boxing Day Test which swung back and forth, but ultimately Australia emerged as the better side of the two. However, a lot of positives for the Indian side as well before they head to Sydney. But, a lot of key areas to address as well. Australia's aim now would be to build on this winning momentum and re-claim the BGT after a decade. It is a quick turnaround for the teams as the 5th and final Test will be played on January 3rd, Friday and the first ball will be bowled at 5 am IST (11.30 pm GMT, the previous day). Till then, we take your leave. Take care and cheers!

6:53 AM IST Well, well, aren’t you entertained? A Boxing Day Test, in Melbourne, in front of more than 350,000-odd fans across five days, anticipations were high and this match certainly delivered way more than that. A sheer display of grit, valor and courageous fightback, with no side ready to concede. This brings us to the end of the 4th Test in this Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and the series in favor of Australia 2-1. However, to ensure a series victory and claim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the hosts will have to win the 5th Test. And If Sydney ends in a draw or India’s win, the tourists will retain the trophy, for the fourth consecutive time. If Australia wins, the trophy will be theirs after 2013/14.