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Australian men’s cricket team vs India national cricket team match scorecard
The fourth Test match between the Australian men’s cricket team and the India national cricket team, part of the India tour of Australia 2024-25, took place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Spanning from December 26 to December 30, this high-stakes encounter saw riveting performances, tactical brilliance, and moments of individual brilliance from both sides. The match showcased the best of Test cricket, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Australian men’s cricket team vs India national cricket team match scorecard
- Series: India tour of Australia, 2024-25
- Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
- Date & Time: December 26-30, 10:30 AM Local
- Result Status: Day 3: Stumps – India trail by 116 runs
Toss and Decision
Australia won the toss and opted to bat first. This decision was influenced by the favorable pitch conditions at MCG, traditionally known for providing a balanced contest between bat and ball, especially in the first innings.
Match Highlights
Day 1: Australia’s Solid Start
The Australian innings began on a positive note, with openers Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja laying a sturdy foundation. Despite early challenges, Konstas’s composed half-century and Khawaja’s valuable contribution kept India’s bowlers at bay.
Day 2: Middle-Order Resilience
Steven Smith’s magnificent century (140 off 197 balls) was the highlight of Australia’s innings. Smith’s partnerships with Labuschagne and Cummins propelled the Australian total to 474. Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja were India’s standout bowlers, claiming critical wickets at crucial junctures.
Day 3: India’s Counterattack
India’s innings was marked by Nitish Kumar Reddy’s resilient unbeaten century (105* off 176 balls). Contributions from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Washington Sundar ensured India remained competitive, though the team still trailed by 116 runs at stumps.
Detailed Scorecard
Australia 1st Innings
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Konstas | 60 | 65 | 6 | 2 | 92.31 |
| Usman Khawaja | 57 | 121 | 6 | 0 | 47.11 |
| Marnus Labuschagne | 72 | 145 | 7 | 0 | 49.66 |
| Steven Smith | 140 | 197 | 13 | 3 | 71.07 |
| Travis Head | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Mitchell Marsh | 4 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 30.77 |
| Alex Carey (wk) | 31 | 41 | 4 | 0 | 75.61 |
| Pat Cummins (c) | 49 | 63 | 7 | 0 | 77.78 |
| Mitchell Starc | 15 | 36 | 0 | 1 | 41.67 |
| Nathan Lyon | 13 | 18 | 1 | 0 | 72.22 |
| Scott Boland (not out) | 6 | 36 | 0 | 0 | 16.67 |
| Extras | 27 | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 474 | 122.4 Ov | – | – | – |
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | NB | ECO |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 28.4 | 4 | 99 | 4 | 3 | 3.50 |
| Mohammed Siraj | 23 | 3 | 122 | 0 | 0 | 5.30 |
| Akash Deep | 26 | 8 | 94 | 2 | 2 | 3.60 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 23 | 4 | 78 | 3 | 0 | 3.40 |
| Nitish Kumar Reddy | 7 | 0 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 3.00 |
| Washington Sundar | 15 | 2 | 49 | 1 | 1 | 3.30 |
India 1st Innings
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | 82 | 118 | 11 | 1 | 69.49 |
| Rohit Sharma (c) | 3 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 60.00 |
| KL Rahul | 24 | 42 | 3 | 0 | 57.14 |
| Virat Kohli | 36 | 86 | 4 | 0 | 41.86 |
| Akash Deep | 0 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Rishabh Pant (wk) | 28 | 37 | 3 | 0 | 75.68 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 17 | 51 | 3 | 0 | 33.33 |
| Nitish Kumar Reddy (not out) | 105 | 176 | 10 | 1 | 59.66 |
| Washington Sundar | 50 | 162 | 10 | 0 | 30.86 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Mohammed Siraj (not out) | 2 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 28.57 |
| Extras | 11 | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 358/9 | 116 Ov | – | – | – |
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | NB | ECO |
| Mitchell Starc | 25 | 2 | 86 | 0 | 3 | 3.40 |
| Pat Cummins (c) | 27 | 6 | 63 | 3 | 0 | 3.20 |
| Scott Boland | 27 | 7 | 57 | 3 | 0 | 2.10 |
| Nathan Lyon | 27 | 4 | 88 | 2 | 0 | 3.30 |
| Mitchell Marsh | 7 | 1 | 28 | 0 | 1 | 4.00 |
| Travis Head | 3 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 3.70 |
Match Analysis
Key Performances
- Steven Smith (Australia): Smith’s remarkable century was pivotal in setting up Australia’s commanding first-innings total. His ability to read the game and exploit gaps in India’s bowling attack proved invaluable.
- Nitish Kumar Reddy (India): Reddy’s unbeaten 105 was a masterclass in resilience and shot selection, keeping India’s hopes alive as they trailed Australia’s total.
- Jasprit Bumrah (India): Bumrah’s disciplined bowling, yielding four wickets, was instrumental in containing Australia during critical phases of the game.
Turning Points
- Smith’s Wicket: Akash Deep’s dismissal of Smith at 455-9 prevented Australia from further consolidating their lead.
- Jaiswal’s Run Out: Cummins’ sharp fielding cut short Jaiswal’s innings, a moment that shifted momentum back to Australia temporarily.
- Reddy and Sundar’s Partnership: Their crucial stand of 127 runs frustrated Australia and ensured India stayed in contention.
Upcoming Days
With two days remaining, India will aim to minimize the lead and force Australia into a challenging second innings. Australia’s bowlers, especially Cummins and Lyon, will look to wrap up India’s innings swiftly.
Stay tuned for more action from this gripping Test match!
