Crucial lower-order runs kept Australia in the ascendancy on a gripping fourth day of the fourth Test against India in Melbourne.
Batting with a first-innings lead of 105, Australia scraped to 228-9 at the close having been 91-6 in the afternoon after another superb spell from the irresistible Jasprit Bumrah, who took 4-56.
He bowled debutant Sam Konstas for eight and took three more wickets in a middle-order collapse that saw four wickets fall in 21 balls as India surged back into the contest.
But Marnus Labuschagne dug in for a vital 70 and put on 57 with captain Pat Cummins, who made 41.
Both men were put down by Yashasvi Jaiswal – Labuschagne on 46 and Cummins on 21 – in two of four dropped catches by India, three of which were by Jaiswal.
Nathan Lyon was also dropped on five and went on to frustrate India in an unbroken last-wicket partnership of 55 with Scott Boland that took Australia to the close with a lead of 333 runs.
The drama continued to the finish, with Bumrah having Lyon caught at slip on 33 in the final over only for Australia’s number 10 to be reprieved by a no-ball.
The Lyon-Boland stand ensured Australia have the advantage but the hosts’ decision to resist the temptation to declare late in the day has enhanced the chances of a draw.
India will still hold some hope of a successful run-chase on a final day where a win for either side would give them the lead in a fascinating five-Test series that is tied at 1-1.
Their efforts ensured India will require the highest successful fourth-innings chase at the Melbourne Cricket Ground if they are to win.
The previous record, England’s 332-7, was made in 1928, while no side has scored more than 231 in victory since 1962 – although Australia may well have had India’s epic chase of 328 at the Gabba on their last tour in mind when delaying their declaration.
While a draw would set up a winner-takes-all decider in Sydney next week, it would mean India’s hopes of reaching the World Test Championship final are no longer in their hands.
Australia must win the series outright to regain the Border-Gavaskar trophy while India need to only draw as the holders. (BBC)
