Bumrah Takes Down Aussie Batsmen But Can India Still Pull Off A Miracle Win

Melbourne, Dec 29 (PTI) Jasprit Bumrah continued to lead India’s fightback but Marnus Labuschagne’s unbeaten 65 helped Australia, who were 135/6 at tea, extended their overall lead to 240 on Day Four of the fourth Test here on Sunday.

Bumrah completed 200 dismissals in Test cricket when he removed Travis Head (1) and soon completed his four-wicket haul with the scalp of Nathan Lyon, in a spirited effort to bring India back into the game.

But despite Bumrah’s heroics, the hosts managed to maintain their grip on the match, thanks largely to Labuschagne’s patient innings, which has so far included eight boundaries.

With two sessions left to play, Australia will be looking to bat India out of the game, while the visitors will need a miraculous turnaround to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

The day began with Australia resuming at 54/2, and Labuschagne and Steve Smith looking to build on the foundation laid by the openers.

However, Bumrah had other plans, as he quickly removed Smith and Matthew Wade to leave the hosts reeling at 99/5.

But Labuschagne, who has been in sublime form throughout the series, refused to give up, and found an able ally in Travis Head, as the two added 30 runs for the sixth wicket.

Head’s dismissal, caught behind by Rishabh Pant off Bumrah, brought an end to the partnership, but Labuschagne continued to defy the Indian bowlers, taking Australia’s lead past the 200-run mark.

With Lyon for company, Labuschagne added a further 35 runs, taking Australia’s total to 135/6 at tea, and leaving India with a daunting task ahead.

As the two teams head into the final two sessions of the match, the question on everyone’s lips is - can India still pull off a miracle win, or will Australia’s lead prove too much to overcome?